Long-Time Friends Join Forces to Donate $1 Million Dollars for Richmond Hospital’s Expansion and Surgical Restart Campaign
Joyful Giving
Left to right: Mr. Johnny Fong and Ms. Rebecca Cheng.
A well-known Chinese proverb states: ‘If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.’ For long-time friends Johnny Fong and Rebecca Cheng, these are words of wisdom to live by. Recognizing that there are many people that need help, they’ve dedicated themselves to helping others and bringing happiness to those around them.
“When I see happy people, I feel happy, too. I strongly believe that if you can help others, you’ll have more happiness,” explains Johnny, a local Richmond business owner, who came to Canada in the ‘70s and built a successful import company, CTG Brands. Originally planning to emigrate from Hong Kong to Toronto, Johnny and his family landed in Vancouver and were so struck by the city’s natural beauty that they never left.
Johnny met Rebecca almost 50 years ago, and they’ve been friends ever since. With family in Vancouver and Hong Kong, Rebecca splits her time between both cities and dedicates herself to charity work. When Johnny and Rebecca recently heard about the needs of Richmond Hospital, they didn’t give it a second thought to lend their support. In fact, it took Rebecca all of 10 seconds to say yes when Johnny asked her if she’d like to contribute.
“My mom always taught me to share what I have and to help others,” says Rebecca. “We are so lucky to live in Canada where we have access to health care. It is my pleasure to help and I invite others to show their support for Richmond Hospital, too, so we can make it the best hospital it can be.”
Together, Johnny and Rebecca have donated $700,000 to Richmond Hospital Foundation for a new acute care tower that will house a new emergency department, medical imaging center, larger operating rooms, private inpatient rooms and much more. In addition, they’ve donated $300,000 to the hospital’s Surgical Restart campaign for new state-of-the-art equipment. Johnny and Rebecca will match donations dollar for dollar up to $300,000, which will double the impact donors can make.
“Richmond’s population has grown quickly over the years and the community needs an updated hospital that meets today’s health care standards and demands,” reflects Johnny. “Everybody gets old, and there are lots of good people in Richmond that rely on the hospital. It’s important to give as much as we can to help each other and make everybody’s life better.”
Giving back is meaningful work for the two friends. “We want to do something positive, and bring hope and happiness to people during this difficult time,” adds Rebecca. “Lending your support is a great way to show your appreciation for Richmond Hospital’s health care teams, who work so hard to help our community every day.”
Q: How can you and your company get involved in improving health care in the community?
A: To take an active leadership role to support Richmond Hospital, please contact Richmond Hospital Foundation for more information on philanthropic giving and sponsorship opportunities.
Richmond Hospital Foundation
At Richmond Hospital Foundation, joy is at the very heart of the work we do with you. We inspire joyful giving, because to give joyfully is to know that you are part of the solution. You are part of something bigger than yourself. You are helping your loved ones, your friends, your neighbours and your colleagues. You are a driver of health and prosperity. There is a joyousness in coming together to create a life well-lived.
It is our sincere hope you are always inspired to help fund innovation for life. To build a better and healthier future for Richmond. Joyful giving means joyful living.
