Dear Friends,
As I prepare to say farewell as Executive Director of the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, I find myself reflecting on the people who have made these past 11 years so meaningful. Since joining the Foundation in September 2015, I have had the privilege of working alongside a community that cares deeply about others—and consistently turns that care into action.
To every board member I have worked with, thank you for your leadership, your time, and your commitment to improving health care close to home. You have helped guide the Foundation through growth, change, and important decisions, always keeping our communities at the heart of our work.
To our staff, past and present, thank you for the dedication, creativity, and heart you have brought to the Foundation. Behind every donation, event, and piece of equipment, is a tremendous amount of work. I have appreciated your contributions and the care you have shown our donors, volunteers, and hospital teams.
To our volunteers, thank you for showing up, lending a hand, and making people feel welcome. Whether you helped at an event, sold raffle tickets, supported a community fundraiser, or quietly worked behind the scenes, you have been an essential part of our story. You have also taught me so much over the years. Your experience, patience, practical advice, and generosity have helped me grow, both as a leader and as a person. I will always treasure those lessons and the friendships we have built.
I would especially like to recognize our hospital auxiliary groups and the league. Your years of service, fundraising, and advocacy have made a lasting difference for patients and care teams. It has been a privilege to work alongside you, learn from you, and see the pride you take in supporting your local hospitals. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, welcoming me into your work, and reminding me how much a dedicated group of volunteers can accomplish.
Our Lions clubs, Rotary clubs, and other community organizations have also been wonderful partners. You have listened when we shared a need and brought people together to help meet it. To the Crystal Gala Foundation team, thank you for your extraordinary commitment to breast health and your partnership in bringing important equipment and services to our region. The recent opening of the new MRI at Abbotsford Regional Hospital was a particularly meaningful reminder of what we can accomplish together.
Over these 11 years, community generosity has helped the Foundation purchase equipment for Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital, Mission Memorial Hospital, Fraser Canyon Hospital, and long-term care. From major diagnostic equipment, including MRI and CT technology, to surgical equipment, monitors, maternity and pediatric equipment, and items that bring comfort to patients, each purchase has answered a real need.
What stays with me most is what that equipment means for people: a patient receiving care closer to home, a family finding reassurance, or a health care professional having the tools they need. To our donors, businesses, health care teams, and community partners, thank you for making those moments possible.
As this next chapter begins, please join me in welcoming Leanna Kemp, who starts as the Foundation’s new Executive Director on October 19, 2026. I look forward to seeing her get to know the people and partnerships that make this Foundation so special. I know you will offer her the same warm welcome and support you have shared with me.
Thank you for trusting me, working alongside me, and allowing me to be part of this community’s generosity for 11 years. I will miss the people most of all, and I will carry many wonderful memories—and everything you have taught me—with me.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Liz Harris
Outgoing Executive Director
Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation
P.S. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for this year’s gala! It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together and support health care in our communities. Get your tickets here!