2022 ARThritis Soirée Announces $3,375,000+ for Arthritis Research
The 9th annual ARThritis Soirée returned to its in-person format on May 26 at The Roof, Hotel Vancouver and welcomed guests that included business and community leaders, philanthropists, doctors, scientists, healthcare professionals, and individuals who share an appreciation of art and a desire to support arthritis research.
The signature fundraising event was created to build awareness about arthritis – an invisible disease that affects more than 6 million Canadians of all ages – and to raise funds to support life-changing arthritis research.
This year’s guests were the first to hear the exciting news from the Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, that the Province of BC was awarding Arthritis Research Canada $3 million to further advance arthritis research. This announcement boosted the night’s fundraising total to a record-breaking $3,375,000+.
A Big Problem that Only Research Can Solve
“For more than two decades, Arthritis Research Canada has been accelerating arthritis research and transforming the lives of the millions of people who live with this disease,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Our Government is committed to supporting Arthritis Research Canada’s work through $3 million in funding for the organization to continue its clinical research program and to focus on new and expanding areas. Along with the contributions from the annual fundraiser, this funding will help Arthritis Research Canada get us one step closer to stamping out this disease and improving the health of people in B.C.”
The Soirée is a success year-over-year thanks to the collective and generous efforts of many sponsors, guests, donors, volunteers, and dynamic hosts – Fred Lee and Fiona Forbes.
Arthritis Research Canada is grateful to RBC for supporting the ARThritis Soirée as Presenting Sponsor.
“At RBC, we are guided by our purpose to help our clients thrive and communities prosper,” said Martin Thibodeau, Regional President British Columbia, RBC Royal Bank. “We know that arthritis impacts many families in our region. That’s why we are supporting the ideas happening at Arthritis Research Canada that are helping to improve the lives of people living with arthritis.”
Guests were treated to an exciting performance by Angela Kelman, lead singer of Canadian country music group, Farmer’s Daughter. Kelman and her band had everyone up and dancing for arthritis research.
Need for Arthritis Research Persists
Arthritis Research Canada’s Scientific Director expressed her thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible. “The world has changed significantly due to the global pandemic, but the need for arthritis research is still significant,” Lacaille said. “We are grateful that people continued to show their support by joining us at the event and for the opportunity to share the news of our government’s commitment to arthritis research.”
Arthritis is over 100 diseases that can cause serious, life-threatening complications and interfere with a person’s ability to live life to the fullest.
“We would like to thank our sponsors, performers, guests, and donors for participating in this year’s ARThritis Soirée to support research that finds solutions to challenges caused by arthritis,” Lacaille said.