ARThritis Soirée Raises $2,355,000 to Benefit Critical Arthritis Research
The 7th annual ARThritis Soirée was a huge success, raising $2,355,000 to fund life-changing arthritis research for over 6 million Canadians living with the pain and disability of this disease.
A $2 million funding announcement by Health Minister Adrian Dix boosted the event’s fundraising total to the amazing $2,355,000 in support of life-saving arthritis research. British Columbia is the country’s provincial leader in supporting arthritis research.
“By providing this funding, my ministry aims to help Arthritis Research Canada continue to improve the lives of British Columbians living with arthritis, and reduce the burden this disease places on our healthcare system,” Dix said.
The ARThritis Soirée is the signature event of Arthritis Research Canada, the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Its success year-over-year is thanks to the collective and generous efforts of many sponsors, guests, donors, volunteers, and vibrant co-hosts – Fred Lee, The Province’s Man About Town, and Coleen Christie, Global BC news anchor.
The event brought together the city’s business and community leaders, philanthropists, doctors, scientists, healthcare professionals, and many others who had a shared desire to support arthritis research. With this year’s music theme, guests were treated to a fabulous performance by Mike Reno, lead singer of Loverboy that included some of Loverboy’s greatest hits.
“Tremendous thanks goes to everyone who sponsored and attended the ARThritis Soirée and gave so generously in support of life-saving arthritis research.”
– Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada Scientific Director
Arthritis is a very serious disease that affects more than 6 million Canadians and 350 million people worldwide, of ALL ages. “For such a prevalent disease, people are consistently surprised that arthritis represents the leading cause of disability among adults,” said Dan Scarrow, President of Macdonald Realty, the event’s presenting sponsor. “It is important to let people know that arthritis is a serious condition that can have a very damaging effect on peoples’ lives. We are proud to support the Soirée, which brings like-minded individuals together to fight against arthritis.”
Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada’s Scientific Director, added that the annual event plays an increasingly important role in creating awareness about the more than 100 forms of arthritis and that arthritis research is the ONLY way to tackle the pain and disability experienced by millions who suffer with this disease.
“Arthritis Research Canada is conducting over 75 studies aimed at reducing the burden of arthritis. We are focused on arthritis prevention, earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and improving quality of life for people, young and old,” Esdaile said. “Tremendous thanks goes to everyone who sponsored and attended the ARThritis Soirée and gave so generously in support of life-saving arthritis research.”
