Valsef Dream Big Charity Gala Donates $422,736 to the Montreal Children’s Hospital

The 2nd Annual Valsef Dream Big Foundation Charity Gala raised an impressive $422,736 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

“It was great to see the overwhelming generosity of our community and their incredible capacity for compassion and kindness. Together we’ve not only surpassed our fundraising goals, but we’ve turned those dreams into meaningful impact for Montreal’s vulnerable infants,” explains Stephane Manos, Dream Big Foundation President. “This evening’s achievement is a reminder that when united, our big dreams bring positive change to those who need it most.”

Proceeds from the 2nd Annual Charity Gala go to support the NICU, the division of the MCH that provides critical care for the tiniest members of our community. In particular, the funds will support the Smart Hospital Project and Point of Care Ultrasonography (“POCUS”).

Empowering Wireless Neonatal Care

The Smart Hospital Project is transforming Neonatal & Pediatric monitoring, especially in the areas of wireless vitals monitoring; data retrieval, processing and visualization; and respiratory monitoring and apnea detection. POCUS will allow physicians to perform and interpret advanced diagnostics from the patient’s bedside, allowing for rapid diagnosis of multiple medial conditions ranging from acute appendicitis, airway compromise, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and traumatic injury assessment.

“We are still monitoring everyone with wires and cables that are obtrusive to bonding between parents and infants. We can do something better in terms of making the data monitoring ‘smarter’,” explains Smart Hospital Principal Investigator, Wissam Shalish, MD, PHD. “In my years as clinician and researcher, I understand nothing can advance in terms of innovation and health care technology without the immense help we have received from organizations like the Valsef Dream Big Foundation.”

Since the Dream Big Foundation was started in 2022, it has donated over $850,000 to Montreal charitable organizations in four core areas: Youth, Education, Environment, and Health.

Thank you to our amazing sponsors!

Gold Sponsors: 

Silver Sponsors: 

Bronze Sponsors: 

About the Valsef Dream Big Foundation

The Valself Dream Big Foundation is dedicated to supporting qualified charitable organizations that improve the lives of Montrealers. Through its four main areas of intervention – Youth, Education, Environment, and Health – the Foundation empowers dreams and turns them into reality, fostering resilience and hope within the community. To learn more, visit dreambigfoundation.com.