Cathay Ball celebrates Mon Sheong’s 1,001 long-term care beds, raises funds for future growth

Mon Sheong Foundation hosted its signature fundraising gala, the Cathay Ball, on Nov.1 at the Hilton in Markham, welcoming nearly 700 supporters for a night of celebration, culture, and community impact. This year’s theme, A Thousand and One Nights, honoured a major milestone — Mon Sheong’s achievement of operating 1,001 long-term care beds, officially making it the largest non-profit long-term care operator in Ontario.

More than 20 elected representatives from all levels of government attended, recognizing the foundation’s decades-long commitment to senior care. Dignitaries included Hon. Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care; Hon. Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility; Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Education; Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti; and Richmond Hill Mayor David West. Proceeds from the gala support the Because We Care capital campaign to build new long-term care centres.

“There are currently approximately 48,000 people in Ontario waiting for a long-term care bed. Among them, the combined waiting list for Mon Sheong’s five long-term care homes has exceeded 10,000. Mon Sheong Dr. Paul Woo Long-Term Care Centre, which opened this fall in Stouffville, already has more than 1,400 people on its waiting list, highlighting the strong demand for long-term care beds,” said Tim Kwan, chairman of Mon Sheong Foundation. “This pressing situation has motivated Mon Sheong to actively plan and build more long-term care centres.… Mon Sheong is calling on the community’s support so that more people in need can receive care as soon as possible.”

Co-chairs David Cheng and Jeffrey Mah highlighted the significance of the evening’s theme. “The theme ‘A Thousand and One Nights’ represents not only the milestone of operating 1,001 long-term care beds, but also the stories of every resident and their family,” they said. “For over 60 years, Mon Sheong has served the community with compassion.… we strive to provide more long-term care beds, making the dream of quality care a reality for seniors.”

Mon Sheong extended heartfelt thanks to its sponsors — including Presenting Sponsor TD Bank Group, Diamond Sponsor MediSystem Pharmacy, Platinum Sponsors Concord Adex and Scotiabank — as well as to the dozens of dedicated volunteers and Youth Group members who helped bring the evening to life.

Photo: MP Tim Hodgson and MP Helena Jaczek with members of the Mon Sheong board of directors. (supplied photo)