PHOTOS: Moving Forward gala for mental health care in Surrey<\/p>\n
Published 3:10 pm Wednesday, April 22, 2026<\/p>\n
A Surrey banquet hall was transformed into a hub of inspiration and philanthropy during the first Moving Forward Together gala, held April 10.<\/p>\n
Newton-based Moving Forward Family Services hosted the inaugural fundraiser for its counselling programs.<\/p>\n
Close to 300 people attended the gala at Crown Palace Banquet Hall on Nordel Way, raising about $10,000 (and counting) to assist the organization with its work to provide low-cost and accessible mental health support to individuals, couples and families across B.C.<\/p>\n
Guests were invited to \u201can inspiring evening focused on community impact, connection and support for mental wellness initiatives. Funds raised during the event will directly support counselling programs and outreach efforts that help expand access to mental health care.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event drew a crowd of local politicians, business executives, media personalities and community advocates. Entertainment included stilt walkers, a saxophone-playing musician and ballet dancers.<\/p>\n
A keynote address by Joe Roberts heard the \u201cSkidrow CEO\u201d share details about his journey from homelessness to executive success, emphasizing the \u201cpossibility mindset\u201d and importance of community support systems.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeeing leaders from every sector unite under one roof is a testament to the strength of our community,\u201d said Gary Thandi, executive director of Moving Forward Family Services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe generosity shown (during the gala) ensures that we can continue to provide low-barrier counselling, educational opportunities, and support services to the families who need them most.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moving Forward, which recently co-hosted a Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk at Newton Athletic Park and surrounding streets, is among the largest nonprofit counselling services in Canada.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur team of 200 student counsellors and social workers, along with over 300 registered therapists, offers sliding scale services in over 30 languages, united by a desire to address the massive gaps in mental health care in B.C.,\u201d Thandi explained.<\/p>\n
Gala-goers also heard about new memorial bursaries, sponsored by families to honour the memories of people no longer with us. Eight people were each awarded $750 Healer of Tomorrow bursaries to support their academic journeys and future goals, including Harlyne Bhatti, Gurjot Dulai, Bryce Engnan, Ram Grewal, Hanna Grover, Kaitlynn Lywood, Rakan Sabbah and Emilie Shin.<\/p>\n