The Oakville community is preparing for a magical evening of celebration and giving back, as the
annual Oakville Diwali Gala returns in support of the Oakville Hospital Foundation (OHF). The sold-
out event, chaired this year by respected community leader Anil Shah, will raise vital funds for
replacing hospital beds at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH).
In a recent conversation on Y Media, Mary McPherson, CEO of OHF, highlighted the importance of
community support in ensuring the hospital continues to provide the highest quality of care.
“Most people don’t realize that the Ontario government does not fund hospital equipment,”
Mary explained. “That means hospital equipment is funded by the community. Every MRI machine, every monitor, every bed – it’s all thanks to generous donors.
” This year’s focus is the NXT10 Campaign, an initiative looking ahead to the next decade of health care needs in the community. With the Halton population expected to grow by 60% in the coming years, OHF is planning proactively to ensure the hospital is ready. Beds, in particular, are an urgent priority.
“Beds are no longer just beds,” said Mary. “They’re advanced pieces of technology that
support patient recovery and comfort. Some can prevent bed sores, others are designed for seniors
or specialized care. Each one can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $60,000. Our campaign goal
is $5 million to replace every bed in the hospital.”
For Anil, the cause is deeply personal. His late mother spent her final days at OTMH during the pandemic, and he recalls the compassion shown by hospital staff.
“There was a nurse who used to dance in front of my bedridden mother just to make her laugh,”
Anil shared emotionally. “The doctors, nurses, and staff do their part every day. It’s our duty as a
community to do ours. That’s why I accepted the role of chairing the Diwali Gala this year.”
The gala, which began over a decade ago as a grassroots effort by local families, has since grown into
one of the community’s most anticipated fundraising events. Over the years, it has raised
more than $1.6 million for the hospital. This year’s gala is already sold out, with all
sponsorships and tables booked months in advance.
Guests can expect “a truly magical evening,” Anil promised. “There will be great food, music, entertainment, and a surprise MC. Most importantly, every moment of joy will also be making a difference for health care in our community.”
Even though the gala has reached capacity, there are still ways to support. Raffle tickets, with prizes
including international flights courtesy of Turkish Airlines, remain available for purchase.
Mary emphasized that anyone can contribute: “Donations of any size, monthly giving
programs, volunteer opportunities – there are so many ways to get involved. At the end of the day,
this hospital is built by families for families, and we welcome everyone to be part of that tradition.”
Anil echoed the sentiment, stressing that the Oakville Diwali Gala transcends cultural boundaries.
“Diwali may have roots in Indian tradition, but this gala is about light, hope, and community – values
everyone shares. It’s not just an Indian festival. It’s a universal celebration with one purpose:
supporting health care.”
The event will be covered live by Y Media and featured in Midweek newspaper, ensuring those who
could not attend can still share in the spirit of giving.
As Oakville looks to the future, the message from both Anil and Mary is clear: health is the
foundation of everything. And with the community’s continued support, Oakville Trafalgar Memorial
Hospital will remain a beacon of care for generations to come.
