On November 28, 2025, BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) and the BCSS Foundation welcomed donors and supporters to our annual Donor Appreciation Event.
Hosted at the beautiful Arbutus Club in Vancouver and streamed live for virtual attendees, the hybrid gathering brought together community members committed to improving the lives of those affected by schizophrenia and other serious and persistent mental illnesses.
Guests who attended in person enjoyed a continental breakfast before diving into an inspiring program led by Faydra Aldridge, BCSS CEO, who opened with words of gratitude and shared updates on BCSS’s progress and vision for 2026. Speaking on behalf of Jack Middleton, BCSS President, Faydra guided the event through a series of powerful presentations:
- Hardeep Thind, Coastal Regional Manager, celebrated 23 years working with BCSS and she offered a glimpse into “A Day in the Life of a BCSS Educator” and the transformative impact her team has on families.
- Renato Zane, Chair of the BCSS Foundation, highlighted donor-driven research initiatives currently being worked on, and future goals.
- Marc Saunders, Manager, Partnerships, Health Research BC, shared updates on partnerships advancing mental illness research.
- Dr. Ivan Torres, BCSS Foundation and Health Research BC co-funded researcher, whose keynote and following Q&A provided cutting-edge insights into schizophrenia research, treatment, and understanding.
We also celebrated and thanked Chris Sandy, who is once again generously matching donations until December 31, 2025, up to a maximum of $10,000. This year is especially meaningful as it marks his 10th year of showing his remarkable generosity and commitment to supporting families affected by schizophrenia and serious mental illness.
The morning was filled with warmth and unforgettable moments as we gathered with our cherished donors whose unwavering support has been the backbone of BCSS throughout the years. To everyone who joined us, both in person and online, thank you for adding a profound sense of community to this special event. For those who missed these presentations or want to watch them again, please enjoy this video:
To all our incredible donors, your generosity is the foundation of everything we do, and we are deeply grateful for your steadfast support. Thank you for being the driving force behind our mission. Because of you, BCSS fuels life-changing programs, provides vital education and resources, and brings hope to where it’s needed most.
