Much focus during the pandemic has been place on protecting vulnerable populations. Among those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are those with compromised immune systems. That includes people living with HIV.

Unfortunately, a Vancouver organization that is devoted to taking care of those with HIV is facing some fundraising challenges due to the pandemic but has found a way to help others in need as well.

Passions gala, an annual food and beverage celebration, is one of the Dr. Peter Centre’s most popular fundraising events.

Alas, it had to be cancelled this year because of the pandemic.

But instead of a fundraising event, the Dr. Peter Centre is asking everyone to instead help support their partner restaurants, who are also in need of financial support as they contend with challenges created by health guidelines.

On October 1, the centre is asking diners to either order food or purchase gift certificates from their partner restaurants listed on their website, and then share a photo on social media tagging the Dr. Peter Centre and the participating establishment. 

The list of restaurants runs from Ancora, Beaucoup Bakery, and Cibo Trattoria to Maenam, Tojo’s, and Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Whistler. 

In a message to supporters, Passions gala co-chair Michael Barker-Fyfe spoke about the founder and co-chair of the event, the late Nathan Fong who died in March of this year.

“Over the last six years, I was honoured to co-chair with Nathan. He was a force to be reckoned with and cared deeply about the Dr. Peter Centre,” Barker-Fyfe stated. “In the wake of COVID-19, many of our local restaurants have suffered immensely. Nathan would have wanted us to do everything we can to support the chefs, owners, and staff he loved so much during such a challenging time.”

Barker-Fyfe added that they are looking to celebrate once again with everyone next year.

The list of participating restaurants is available at the Dr. Peter Centre website.