March 26, 2008
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation > Media Room > March 26, 2008

100,000 tulips in support of Surrey Memorial Hospital

Surrey, B.C. – A symbol of support for Surrey Memorial Hospital is in bloom this spring.

100,000 Princess Irene tulips are growing in dozens of locations across Surrey. It’s the result of Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation’s first ever Tulips for Tomorrow Campaign, which was launched last fall. The Princess Irene’s red and orange petals are reminiscent of the Foundation’s logo.

The campaign has two goals – raise money for a new, state-of-the-art Emergency Centre and beautify Surrey. “Tulips for Tomorrow has united residents, businesses, and government in support of Surrey Memorial Hospital,” says Foundation President/CEO Jane Adams. “We look forward to this fall, when we will plant another 100,000 tulip bulbs.”

"We can all get behind the Tulips for Tomorrow Campaign," said Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. "It is a fantastic initiative that serves both to raise money for the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation and helps beautify our great city."

Last fall, 100,000 tulip bulbs were planted in support of Surrey Memorial Hospital. With the help of the City of Surrey, two dozen locations were identified for public displays. Close to 50 other locations across the city are receiving planter-pots full of tulips. Residents who donated to the Foundation’s Emergency Centre Campaign last fall were also given a number of tulip bulbs for their own use.

A number of area businesses joined Tulips for Tomorrow by donating tulip bulbs, planter-pots, soil, landscaping, delivery, and storage. As well, Surrey company B&B Contracting matched dollar for dollar the first $100,000 donated by the public during Tulips for Tomorrow.

Surrey Memorial Hospital’s current ER – the busiest in B.C. - was designed to handle about 44,000 visits a year but has instead been seeing close to 70,000 patients a year.

The new Emergency Centre, at triple the size of the current facility, will include a separate children’s ER, as well as a separate mental health and addictions area, an enhanced minor treatment unit, and an improved area for acute patients.

The B.C. government has committed to funding the essentials of a replacement to Surrey Memorial Hospital’s current ER. The Foundation’s $15-million campaign will ensure the new Emergency Centre is state-of-the-art.

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For more information or interviews, contact:
Jason Howe
Public Affairs Director
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation
604-585-5666 ext 8284
cell: 604-613-6873
jason.howe[at]fraserhealth.ca