Cathay Ball 2023 – Illuminating Future Fundraising for Building Two New Mon Sheong Long-Term Care Centres

MARKHAM, ON (November 18, 2023) – Mon Sheong Foundation Cathay Ball was held on Saturday, November 18, 2023. It was attended by close to 700 guests from across the community. Net proceeds of this signature fundraising gala go towards “Because We Care” capital campaign, supporting the building of two new Mon Sheong Long-Term Care Centres, in Markham and Stouffville.

The theme of Cathay Ball 2023 is “Illuminating Future”. The dazzling peacock, unfurling its bright fluorescent feathers, represents Mon Sheong’s commitment to evolve in its 60-year journey in line with the needs of the diverse community. It continuously transforms and, through various programs and services, radiates a remarkable and unique brilliance, benefiting the community.

Tim Kwan, Chairman of Mon Sheong Foundation stated, “The aging population of Canada results in an urgent surge in long-term care needs. The provincial government has granted Mon Sheong 1,152 new care bed licences in the past few years. Groundbreakingceremony for the 320-bed long-term care center in Markham was held in the middle of September. Construction of a second long-term care centre with 224 care beds in Stouffville started in early November this year. We believe that the community is brimming with excitement about the ability of Mon Sheong Foundation to build another new long-term care centre in the Stouffville community in just two years. These two construction projects are set to be completed by 2026. This is not a simple task but an outcome achieved through collaborative efforts from various parties. We sincerely appreciate the staunch support from the provincial and municipal governments. Currently, there is a wait list of 8,000 people for the four long-term care centers of Mon Sheong Foundation, with an average wait time of five to seven years. The strong demand for nursing care is evident and providing more care beds is becoming increasingly urgent. Given the high construction and project costs, generous donations from the community are greatly needed and appreciated.”

Cathay Ball 2023 Co-Chairs Ying Duong and Joseph Tsang sharedexcitedly, “We proudly invited 24 young friends from Etobicoke School of the Arts to showcase their singing and dancing talent in oldies and contemporary pieces. To echo this year’s visual theme of unfurling radiant feathers, six artists from Little Pear Garden performed a captivating peacock dance. Live performances and singing by the renowned Toronto band, The Michael Vieira Band, also enthralled the audience. Guests actively participated in other engaging elements like photo booth and special draw. Winner of the draw brought home the grand prize of a pair of Air Canada economy tickets to anywhere in the world where Air Canada operates.”

The success of Cathay Ball 2023 was made possible by the generous support of philanthropists and sponsors, including Diamond Sponsor MediSystem Pharmacy, Gold Sponsors Concord Adex and Scotiabank, along with many other sponsors. Mon Sheong Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to over a hundred volunteers and Youth Group members who assisted in making the event an enjoyable night.

Cathay Ball 2023 highlights will be posted on the event page at www.cathayball.com, allowing guests to savour the night’s greatest moments. For more information about Mon Sheong Foundation’s other events and fundraising initiatives, please visit www.monsheong.org.