Approximately 875 people attended the fifth annual Holi Gala held Saturday, April 7, at Brampton’s Pearson Convention Centre — raising more than $555,000 for the William Osler Health System Foundation.

Money raised by the event, presented by Interstate Freight Systems (IFS), will be used for equipment needs and redevelopment at William Osler Health System’s Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital and Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.

The Osler Health System serves 1.3 million residents of Brampton, Etobicoke and surrounding communities within the Central West Local Health Integration Network.

"We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support for our hospitals by Holi Gala guests, committee members, corporate sponsors and community leaders,” said Ken Mayhew, president and CEO, Osler Foundation, in a press release.

“The sights, tastes and sounds of this magical event help bring the community together to celebrate and to meaningfully contribute to health care in our community,” Mayhew added.

Part of Osler Foundation’s Signature event lineup, the gala celebrates the tradition of Holi and festivities that date back to seventh-century India. Headlining the evening was Malkit Singh, the Punjabi singing-sensation known as the King of Bhangra. Dancers from Shiamak Davar's Toronto dance team also performed at this year’s fundraiser.

Money raised at this year’s event will also go to support cardiac care at Osler hospitals, which helps approximately 2,000 patients each year, including Gaurav Sharma, who was treated at the Osler Health System, after suffering a heart attack at age of 39.

“If it hadn’t been for the wonderful care I received from Osler’s cardiovascular department, I wouldn’t be here today to celebrate my daughter’s fifth birthday,” said Sharma. “I am forever grateful.”

“The Holi Gala is an incredible evening showcasing the vibrancy and generous spirit of our community,” said Paul Bhullar, CEO, IFS. “IFS is a proud supporter of this event and all it does to help the people of Brampton and Etobicoke.”

To make a donation to William Osler Health System Foundation, visit www.oslerfoundation.org.