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Breakfast event raises $15,000 for youth mental-health programs

Health care foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters host inaugural event
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The inaugural It’s a Wonderful Breakfast fundraiser took place last Thursday at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre. (Submitted photo)

The inaugural It’s a Wonderful Breakfast held Dec. 6 raised more than $15,000 for youth mental-health programs.

The event was hosted at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre by the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation (FVHCF) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley.

The event included a breakfast buffet, MC Clifford the Elf (Clifford Prang), a visit from Santa, and performances by Freestyle Dance Centre and Triumph Acrobatic Arts.

Jim Sinclair, Fraser Health board chair, spoke to the crowd about what’s happening in health care, while Dr. Elizabeth Watt extolled the benefits of the new Foundry that offers young people ages 12 to 24 health and wellness resources in Abbotsford.

The FVHCF also held a toy and toiletry drive at the breakfast. Toys collected will go to hospital pediatric unit playrooms, while the toiletries will help meet the needs of Fraser East mental-health programs and other patients in need.

FVHCF executive director Liz Harris said the foundation is “overcome by the generosity and turnout” at the breakfast.

“We have held successful breakfast events in Chilliwack for the last three years and are happy with how well Abbotsford has reacted to this event,” she said.

The FVHCF continues to fund vital equipment and programs for Abbotsford Regional Hospital, with all funds being raised in Abbotsford staying in the community.

Visit fvhcf.ca for more information.

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