30th Annual Hospital Foundation Gala

Shawnigan was pleased to host the annual Cowichan District Hospital Foundation’s gala dinner and auction on Saturday evening. Shawnigan staff and students have been honoured to host and volunteer at the Cowichan Valley’s premiere fundraising event for almost half of the event’s 30-year history.

At least 150 student volunteers assisted with parking, escorted guests to Marion Hall, and welcomed more than 400 gala guests to campus. Working together with incredible kitchen staff, students offered appetizers, served meals, and bussed tables. Student volunteers also provided musical entertainment, assisted with the silent and live auctions, and helped to move chairs and clean up after the event.

In his address, Headmaster Lamont thanked students, staff, and organizers, and spoke to the importance of service and building community, saying: “It is the expectation, here at the school, that we all make a positive and supportive contribution and make a difference to our local community – both within our school gates and also in the wider community.”

Since its inception in 1989, the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation has raised more than two million dollars through the annual black-tie event. Funds raised through ticket sales and silent and live auction proceeds from the gala event go towards the new community hospital building fund.