Fred Lee's Social Network: Fresh Slice Cares Gala provides aid to support kids who desire to play sports

Article content

PAYING IT FORWARD: As a refugee from Iran, Ray Russell came to Canada with just $8 in his pocket. A decade later, he would start building what is now reportedly the largest pizza by the slice empire in Canada. With some 75 stores in B.C., Russell looks to further expand his operations across Canada.

Wanting to pay it forward as a way of giving thanks for all the opportunities Canada has afforded him, last year, the CEO launched Fresh Slice Cares, a granting program that provides financial aid to support kids who desire to play sports.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Fred Lee's Social Network: Fresh Slice Cares Gala provides aid to support kids who desire to play sports Back to video

More than 50 community initiatives have already benefited, says Russell, addressing a costumed crowd that convened at his 70s-themed Fresh Slice Cares Gala. Fronted by staffers Mary Lam and James Cooper, some 200 supporters took in the seventies soirée. Staged at the Riverside Palace in Richmond, attendees enjoyed a groovy evening of food, drink and dance while helping children get off the sidelines and into the game. Dignitaries making the scene included Burnaby mayor Mike Hurley and the MLA for Vancouver-Langara Michael Lee.

Guests also heard from former CFL and B.C. Lions alumni Angus Reid, the evening’s special guest. Eighty pounds lighter and a regular on the motivational speaking circuit, the former football player touted the power of sport and his best-selling first book Thank You Coach, based on his career relationship with offensive line coach Dan Dorazio. A live auction of sporting packages provided by Reid’s B.C. Lions as well as the Vancouver Whitecaps capped off the annual merrymaker. Proceeds from the night of giving would go toward the firm’s $250,000 fundraising goal.

White Envelope Gala

GIVING BACK: As a very young child, Obakki Foundation founder Treana Peake was the recipient of a beautiful act of kindness. Growing up in difficult circumstances, Peake and her mother were the recipients of a white envelope of cash anonymously slipped under the front door of Peake’s childhood home each year. Much needed financial assistance, Peake never forgot about the random gesture afforded to her and her mom by an angel benefactor.

Ever since, the successful clothing line owner has lived a life of giving back. The launch of her Obbaki Foundation has provided the humanitarian a platform to transform millions of lives through clean water, educational support, medical care and economic enterprise.

Peake once again hosted her White Envelope garden party in West Vancouver. Sponsored by Nicola Wealth, some 200 guests attended the always star-studded affair in support of refugees living in Bidi Bidi, Uganda, the world’s largest refugee resettlement area.

Portraits of 100 South Sudanese women from the refugee camp greeted chauffeured guests. Before acoustic performances by Peake’s husband Ryan, guitarist for Nickelback, and band frontman Chad Kroeger, as well as intimate sets by Barney Bentall,Shawn Hook, Stephen Kellogg and Jim Cuddy, attendees were invited to support the people displayed, inviting donations of a thousand dollars per person.

The well-heeled crowd responded and a quick $100,000 was raised to sponsor the women, all of whom were displaced from South Sudan by a brutal civil war. Combined with cash donations and a live auction of transformational programs bidders supported, Peake was well on pace to meet and surpass last year’s $450,000 raised, which will be earmarked for livelihood initiatives such as shea butter production, textile manufacturing and agricultural projects the women are engaged with.

YVR for Kids Gala

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: As usual, the airport community came together for one night to support children who need their help. Setting aside their rivalries and differences, some 450 industry leaders — airlines, hotels, ground handling companies, vendors, suppliers and construction companies — packed the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel Ballroom for the annual YVR for Kids fundraising dinner. Now in its 28th year, the Vancouver Airport Authority’s marquee event — a golf tournament and charity dinner over two days — has raised more than $4 million since its inception, disbursed to a variety of children’s charities across the province.

Led by Clear Skies Children’s Foundation president Nigel Newsome and a dedicated committee of volunteers, this year’s Mission Possible themed-event would attract the largest audience to date. Nearly 500 agents of change gathered for the formal night of fun and games fronted by veteran broadcaster and Port Coquitlam councillor Steve Darling. Multiple bids of $1,000 to be the first to eat signalled a special night ahead. Bucket list travel experiences in the live auction further fuelled the giving frenzy. The evening was punctuated with a successful call-out-for cash when donations ranging from $100 to $10,000 flooded in, contributing to the record-setting $350,000 haul.