A group of South Asians has come together to help jump-start the BC Cancer COVID-19 Response Fund in support of healthcare heroes and patients at BC Cancer. The group includes Tony Singh, Perminder Chohan, Daljit Thind, Manny Dhillon, Raj and Gurpreet Arneja and partners Vineet and Deepita Taneja, Randeep and Sarbjeet Sarai, and Mona and Gagan Matta.

These business leaders and philanthropists are rallying their communities to support a particularly at-risk group: cancer patients. Motivated by family and community need, the group is stepping-up to challenge others to support BC Cancer patients during this stressful time, as well as the incredible clinicians who deliver care.

“During these unprecedented times, we encourage those who can to support our BC Cancer patients. I am deeply touched by the outpouring of support that we are receiving across the province from our community which has always stepped up in times of need,” says Sarbjeet K. Sarai, Chair, South Asian Advisory Council, BC Cancer Foundation, and donor.

The COVID-19 Response Fund benefits the BC Cancer Foundation and supports healthcare heroes and emerging patient needs, such as: safe transportation to appointments, home delivery of life-saving medication and accommodation near a BC Cancer Centre when needed.

“The world is going through a most unusual time and the least we can do is be proactive in the health and welfare of our people, locally,” says Raj Arneja, Director, community engagement at Nanak Foods, and donor.

Businessman Manny Dhillon says, “Our community is very generous with donations at temple, but these days we are not able to go there, so I am urging the community to support an urgent, great cause – the BC Cancer COVID-19 fund to support patients in need.”

Within this time of uncertainty, BC Cancer is doing everything possible to protect at-risk patients and deliver world-leading care. Donors can help, and the time to act is now.

“Be generous at this time as no contribution is too small. If we all stand together in times like these it will make an incredible impact on our community, for our country and the world at large,” says Perminder Chohan, Managing Director, Desjardins Financial.

To learn more and to give today, visit: www.bccancerfoundation.com/COVID.