850 guests. One extraordinary community. $778,000 raised.

Our hearts are full after an unforgettable evening at the sold-out Spark Gala 2026, held on September 18 at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver.

Together, 850 guests helped raise an extraordinary $778,000 in support of the Chinese Canadian Museum—making this the Museum’s most successful fundraising event to date.

This remarkable achievement reflects the strength and generosity of our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our every sponsor, donor, supporter, guest, volunteer, and partner who helped make the evening possible.

Celebrating Community, Leadership and Legacy

Emcees Fred Lee and Mary Lo welcomed guests to an evening celebrating how Spark has grown alongside the Chinese Canadian Museum—from its beginnings as a community dinner in Chinatown to its official debut on Vancouver’s fundraising gala map.

The evening opened with a meaningful Indigenous Welcome from renowned Musqueam and Coast Salish artist Thomas Cannell, who co-created the artwork Embracing Diversity for CCM with his mother, celebrated artist Susan Point. It was followed by remarks from the Museum’s founding Board Chair, Grace Wong, and CEO, Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee.

We were also honoured to receive special video greetings from the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, and the Honourable David Eby, Premier of British Columbia. We welcomed government and community leaders, including the Honourable Niki Sharma, Deputy Premier and Attorney General of British Columbia; the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport; and Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver.

A highlight of the evening was a special address by featured speaker Brandt Louie, OBC, President and CEO of H.Y. Louie Co. Limited, and Chairman of London Drugs Limited. Introduced by Co-Presenting Sponsors Martin Thibodeau of RBC and Duncan Wlodarczak of Onni Group, Mr. Louie reflected on family, history, community and the contributions of generations of Chinese Canadians. Before Mr. Louie took the stage, guests viewed a special video celebrating his leadership, values and enduring commitment to community. The tribute beautifully reflected one of the Museum’s central themes—Contributions and Innovations—and the important role Chinese Canadian families have played in building British Columbia and Canada.

Watch: A Tribute to Brandt Louie

An Evening of Generosity

Generosity filled the ballroom as guests participated in the live and silent auctions, bidding on an exciting collection of travel, dining, entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Following a special impact video, Gala Co-Chairs Bob Rennie, Martin Thibodeau and Duncan Wlodarczak invited guests to invest in the Museum’s future. The enthusiastic response to the Raise the Paddle appeal—including a generous matching gift from Jack and Sylvia Gin Foundation—was a powerful demonstration of what our community can achieve together.

The evening also featured an energetic musical performance by Michael Samson, founder and musical director of D’Topnotes.

Your Impact

Funds raised through Spark Gala 2026 will help the Chinese Canadian Museum:

• Develop meaningful exhibitions that bring Chinese Canadian histories and experiences to life
• Welcome more students, families and community groups
• Expand educational and public programming
• Bring Chinese Canadian stories to communities across Canada through touring exhibitions and partnerships
• Preserve and share these stories with future generations

Upcoming initiatives made possible through this collective support include our family-friendly Mid-Autumn Festival at the Museum on September 26 and 27, and the Canadian premiere of Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form, opening October 7—and much more.

Thank You

To our Gala Co-Chairs, Gala Committee, sponsors, donors, auction and raffle contributors, volunteers, performers, partners, staff and every guest who joined us: thank you for believing in the Chinese Canadian Museum.

Your generosity helps preserve, share and celebrate Chinese Canadian stories—and ensures that these stories continue to reach audiences across British Columbia and throughout Canada.

We look forward to celebrating with you again at Spark Gala 2027.

View Photo Album

Watch Impact Video