Introduction
Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation raises funds to improve healthcare and community wellness in Burnaby, British Columbia. Its philanthropic activities support medical equipment, advanced technology, healthcare education and community health initiatives, helping bridge the gap between public funding and local needs.
The foundation combines hospital fundraising with a community grants programme serving residents of Burnaby and East Vancouver.
History and Background
Burnaby Hospital opened on 30 October 1952 with 125 patient beds. In 1982, the hospital established Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation to strengthen fundraising and respond to the needs of a growing community.
The foundation has since supported improvements in healthcare facilities and equipment. Burnaby Hospital operates within Fraser Health and serves Burnaby, East Vancouver and surrounding communities through emergency, surgical, maternity, mental health and other services.
Mission and Purpose
The foundation’s mission is to raise funds to advance exceptional healthcare and community wellness in Burnaby. Its published values include accountability, compassion, impact, partnership and trust.
Its community funding approach also recognises the importance of preventive healthcare. Supporting physical activity, mental wellness and social connection provides opportunities to improve health beyond the hospital setting.
Alongside Burnaby Hospital, the foundation identifies St. Michael’s Centre, New Canadian Clinic and Chénchenstway Care Home among its supported community care facilities.
Governance and Structure
The foundation is a registered Canadian charity, with charitable registration number 10681 9295 RR 0001. Its published Board of Trustees includes Robert Bruno as chair, Ian Podmore as vice-chair and Steven Tsangaris as treasurer, alongside representatives with healthcare, business, finance and community experience.
For the Burnaby Healthy Living Grant, applications undergo committee review before recommendations are forwarded to the board for final approval. The review structure includes foundation representatives and people drawn from local government, communities, healthcare and sponsors.
The foundation publishes audited financial statements, including its 2024–2025 statements, to help donors assess its financial activities and stewardship.
Funding and Grants
The foundation’s fundraising channels include individual donations, monthly giving, memorial and tribute gifts, legacy giving, corporate partnerships and community fundraising events. Its grateful-patient programme, Cheers to You, allows supporters to recognise hospital staff, physicians and departments.
The Burnaby Healthy Living Grant provides one-time awards of C$500–C$5,000 for initiatives benefiting residents of Burnaby and East Vancouver. Its emphasis is preventive health, particularly the mental and physical wellness of youth, seniors and newcomers to Canada.
The published 2027 timetable sets 1 March 2027 at 4:30 p.m. as the Letter of Intent deadline. Shortlisted applicants are scheduled to be notified on 19 March, with full applications due 16 April 2027 at 4:30 p.m. Funding decisions are expected in June 2027. Applicants should use the current community grant page for the latest requirements.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Hospital Redevelopment
The foundation’s Bright Future Campaign supports hospital improvements and expansion, including intensive care, medical imaging, inpatient oncology and cardiac telemetry.
The redevelopment remains subject to changing government timelines. In its September 2026 update, the foundation welcomed progress on the remaining Phase 1 emergency and surgical improvements while reporting that Phase 2’s construction start date and scope still required clarification.
Medical Imaging Modernisation
In September 2026, the foundation announced a C$500,000 matching gift from the Li Family Foundation towards upgrading Burnaby Hospital’s MRI suite. The commitment matches eligible donations dollar for dollar, up to the stated limit, to encourage broader community participation.
Community Health Promotion
The Healthy Living Grant supports activities such as exercise programmes, nutrition education, mental wellness workshops, health education, social connection and preventive screening. Applications begin with a Letter of Intent, followed by a full application if invited.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
The foundation directs donor contributions towards medical equipment and technology used by healthcare professionals at Burnaby Hospital and other supported facilities. Its financial reporting explains this role in strengthening access to care close to home.
Its redevelopment advocacy also records more than C$20 million raised towards Phase 2, including major gifts associated with the Keith and Betty Beedie Acute Care Tower and BC Cancer–McCarthy Centre. These are fundraising commitments towards planned facilities; they should not be interpreted as confirmation that construction is complete.
The MRI matching campaign provides another example of how a major donor commitment can mobilise additional support for a specific healthcare priority.
Conclusion
Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation connects hospital investment with community health promotion. Its work offers donors several ways to support local healthcare, while the Healthy Living Grant provides a focused funding opportunity for preventive wellness initiatives in Burnaby and East Vancouver.
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