DRIVE Gala rallies support for Langley’s Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation is shifting into high gear this fall with its 34th annual signature gala, DRIVE, hosted at Mercedes-Benz Langley on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Presented by Mike & Leanne Laurin, the event combines the excitement of Formula One racing with the spirit of community philanthropy. Funds raised will help launch Langley’s first Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC), a supportive space where children and youth can report abuse and heal in an environment built on privacy and respect.

Guests will enjoy a three-course Mediterranean-inspired dinner, live entertainment by Blink Acro and DJ Lucas Pardy, a Formula One-inspired bar, custom candy station, live and silent auctions and a trip raffle for two to anywhere WestJet flies.

Langley’s CYAC, overseen by Langley-based Encompass Support Services Society, closes a critical gap in local services for children and young people who’ve experienced abuse. Using a “Circle of Care” approach, the centre brings together professionals such as family development workers, RCMP liaisons and Indigenous counsellors to support each child’s unique needs. Each young person is enabled to share their story just once in a safe setting, while professionals gather the information they need for investigation and ongoing care.

In BC, one in three children experiences some form of abuse. Of more than 22,000 potential victims in the community, only about 2,000 report their abuse, and even fewer receive the care and support they need.

“This evening is more than a fundraiser. It’s about bringing our donor community together and joining the Foundation’s community partners to build a haven for children who have endured the unthinkable,” says Heather Scott, the Foundation’s executive director.

“Every child deserves to be heard, believed and supported. With the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, we are creating a place where that can finally happen in Langley.”

Last year’s Electric Gala brought together 344 guests who helped raise more than $315,000 to support advanced imaging equipment for Langley Memorial Hospital’s medical teams.

Tickets for DRIVE are now on sale. Tables of eight and individual seats are available at LCHHFoundation.com/drive. The first 88 single tickets are available at $300 each; once sold, tickets will be $325. Tables of 8 are available at $2400.

Learn more about the campaign at LCHHFoundation.com/drive