OVER $100,000 was raised at Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society’s gala event last week for their multicultural long term care home project.

The event was emceed by Shachi Kurl, Senior Vice President, VP Angus Reid Institute, and the keynote speaker was federal Minister of Employment and Social Development Pierre Poilievre.

Over 700 guests including politicians, business leaders and community members from all walks of life were present at the event.

The event began with the singing of PICS theme song ‘Giving Back,’ composed especially for the event by local songwriter and singer Lowry Olafson in collaboration with PICS staff.

Suman Sharma of Suman Sargam dance school donated proceeds from her Mother’s Day variety entertainment function to PICS long term care home.

PICS CEO Charan Gill thanked the entire community for standing firm with the society as it had now embarked upon this new project.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Suzanne Anton and former cabinet minister and past president of BC NDP Moe Sihota were among those who extended their support at the event.

Anton acknowledged that there was a need for a multicultural seniors home where seniors battling multiple aging issues could live in a comfortable environment familiar to them.

Poilievre, on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said the government fully supports PICS multicultural long term care home project.

“On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I congratulate PICS on the great work they are doing,” said Minister Poilievre.

PICS multicultural long term care home will be built in central Cloverdale, the land for which has already been acquired. You can continue to donate for the cause by calling 604-596-7722 or on PICS website www.pics.bc.ca.

List of notable pledges / donations at the event:

Bruce Kehler – $25,000 / Bernie Simpson (Simpson, Thomas and Associates ) – $10,000 /  Mamta Foundation – $5000 / Gurpal Virk – $5000 / Krishna Syal – $5,000.