Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, in collaboration with Abbotsford Division of Family Practice, is thrilled to announce “Health Talks 101: A Day of Medical Enlightenment” a free public information forum taking place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Garden Park Tower in Abbotsford. 

This informative event will provide attendees with valuable insights into various aspects of health and well-being, delivered by leading medical professionals. “Health Talks 101” aims to empower the community with knowledge, fostering a proactive approach to health management. 

The day will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including: 

• Dr. Shahana Alibhai: A family physician, at Foundry, and author specialising in emotional health, Dr. Alibhai will offer expert advice on mental well-being and coping strategies. 


• Primary Care Network (PCN): Representatives from the PCN will discuss how this collaborative network of family physicians and healthcare professionals works to provide patients with comprehensive and coordinated care. 
• HPV Education & Screening: Information on HPV prevention and early detection will be available, emphasising the importance of proactive health measures. 
• Dr. Harbir Sian: An experienced optometrist with expertise in ocular disease, pediatrics, and primary care, Dr. Sian will share valuable insights into maintaining optimal eye health and the critical role of optometry. 

Seating is limited, so early registration is highly encouraged. A light lunch will be provided for all attendees. 

​Event Details: 
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 
Time: 8am 
Location: Garden Park Tower, Abbotsford 
Cost: Free 
Registration: www.fvhcf.ca/healthtalks 

​The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of Sunflower Lodge, an innovative farm-to-table restaurant dedicated to sustainable, locally sourced cuisine. The highly anticipated event will take place on Feb. 27th, 2025, from 12 – 3:00 PM, offering guests a first taste of its ethically cultivated, seasonally inspired menu.

Sunflower Lodge’s ethos is simple yet profound: “Our ingredients are selected for their quality, nutrition, and ethical cultivation, and sourced locally from our own organic farm as well as the wild bounty of the forests, rivers, and ocean that surround us. We embrace the rhythms of nature, and through a blend of classic and modern techniques, we elevate each dish, allowing the simple beauty and complex flavors of our food to unfold.”

For $40 per person, attendees will be treated to an exclusive tasting event featuring a curated selection of small plate bites, designed to showcase the Lodge’s culinary philosophy. Each ticket also includes a handcrafted mocktail or coffee, ensuring a warm and inviting experience for all guests.

Rather than a traditional sit-down service, the event will offer an open and interactive format, allowing guests to explore the space, engage with the team, and experience the artistry behind each dish. Attendance is limited to 80 guests to maintain an intimate and immersive atmosphere. Reservations can be made for a 12:00 PM arrival, but guests are welcome to arrive anytime between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

As part of the celebration, Sunflower Lodge will be holding a special draw for a Five-Course Tasting Menu for Two, valued at $170, giving one lucky guest the chance to return for an extraordinary dining experience.

“We are beyond excited to open our doors and invite the community to experience what Sunflower Lodge is all about,” said Rayne Beveridge, founder and head chef. “This event is a reflection of our passion for real food, real connections, and the bounty of the land and waters that surround us.”

Join us as we celebrate the opening of Sunflower Lodge and embark on a journey of flavor, sustainability, and culinary craftsmanship.

Event Details:

• 📍 Sunflower Lodge – 7494 Mary St. Mission, BC
• 📅 February 27, 2025
• ⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• 🎟️ $40 per person (includes mocktail/coffee and small plate bites)
• 🎁 Special Draw: Five-Course Tasting Menu for Two ($170 value)

 
To secure a reservation or for more information, please visit https://www.sunflowerlodge.ca/ or contact Sunflower Lodge at [email protected] or (604) 826-0210.

The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation (FVHCF) proudly hosted the 8th Annual Step Up 4 Cardiac Health event on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Abbotsford Centre.
 
The event saw an incredible turnout, with over 100 participants and more than 40 dedicated volunteers coming together to raise just over $13,570.00 and counting, for cardiac care in hospitals across the Eastern Fraser Valley.
 
Liz Harris, Executive Director of FVHCF, shared, “This year’s event was a tremendous success! We were thrilled to see such strong community participation and enthusiasm. A special highlight was two new recruits from the Abbotsford Fire Fighters Charitable Organization, who completed the challenge in full turnout gear—each weighing approximately 50 pounds—demonstrating their commitment to heart health and our community.”
 
FVHCF extends its heartfelt gratitude to EcoTex Healthcare Linen Services, the returning Presenting Sponsor. Their unwavering support, along with contributions from their family and staff, has been instrumental in making Step Up 4 Cardiac Health a success.
Additional thanks go to 4Q Performance, who led an energetic warm-up session and participated as a Bronze Sponsor, alongside KPMG and our Friend Sponsor, the Rotary Club of Abbotsford-Matsqui. Thank you to Natural Elements Yogafor hosting a free yoga session as well.
 
Among the event’s standout moments were:

• Mayor Ross Siemens celebrating his daughter Alex, who claimed the Most Laps – Female title with 22 laps (each lap consisting of over 750 steps).
• Micheal leading the Men’s category with 20 laps.
• Quinn winning the Youth Division with 15 laps.
• The “Heart Hustlers” from the Cardiac Unit at ARH earning the award for Best Costume.

 
The Top Fundraiser Award, which includes a $200 voucher donated by Kintec Footwear, is still open for contributions until February 28. Donations can be made via the JustGiving page:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/stepup4cardiachealth2025
 
FVHCF would also like to acknowledge our generous community partners:

• Hugs in a Mug for providing coffee and snacks and gift cards for prizing
• Boston Pizza Abbotsford, Cobs Bread, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Abbotsford Canucks, and the Abbotsford International Airshow for their generous contributions.

 
A huge THANK YOU to our volunteers—this event would not be possible without your dedication and support!
​
If you would like to contribute to Step Up 4 Cardiac Health, please contact our office at 604-851-4890 or email [email protected].
 
About Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation:
FVHCF raises funds for vital equipment and programs funded or endorsed by Fraser Health, serving the communities of Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope, Agassiz, and Harrison Hot Springs.