A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
The ninth annual Sakura Gala raised over $1 million to support lung cancer research
The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre ( JCCC) and Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation recently cohosted the ninth annual Sakura Gala in Toronto. Guests packed the Royal Ontario Museum for a night to honour and celebrate worldrenowned lung surgeon- scientist Dr. Kazuhiro Yasufuku. His innovations could be life- changing for lung cancer patients.
“We’re so proud to be celebrating our colleague and friend Dr. Kazuhiro Yasufuku for his extraordinary contributions to the field of thoracic surgery and the lung program at Toronto General Hospital,” says Dr. Shaf Keshavjee of the Sprott Department of Surgery at the University Health Network ( UHN). “Building programs that
support the needs of our multicultural community is very important to us at UHN, and the opportunity to recognize one of our own alongside the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre is an honour.”
The gala raised $ 1 million in support of the JCCC and lung research at Toronto General Hospital.
Glittering laureates from the past, present and future celeb ed the upcoming Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards that will be held at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on June 2. The party packed a private home in Forest Hill for smart cocktails and a champagne toast to this year’s honourees for Canada’s most prestigious performing arts recognition.
Those getting the nod this year include Andrew Alexander, Geneviève Bujold, Peter A. Herrndorf, Angela Hewitt, Ginette Laurin and Murray McLauchlan.
“Each of these extraordinary Canadian arti s has made an unforgettable contribution to our lives,” said Douglas Knight, Chair and CEO of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Foundation. Anik Bissonnette, co- chair of the foundation, added, “Canada is a magnificent country of spectacular natural beauty. Our artists are among our nation’s greatest assets. The laureates we honour with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards are true gems. Their talent enriches us. Through their art, they allow each and every one of us to sparkle with happiness.”
Singer extraordinaire Molly Johnson wowed the intimate crowd with a surprise performance that left everyone wanting more!