STARS OF THE NIGHT
STARS OF THE NIGHT
A Dazzling Success at the 2025 St. John Ambulance Charity Gala
Vancouver, May 2025 — The 2025 St. John Ambulance Charity Gala, proudly themed “Stars of the Night,” illuminated Vancouver with an evening of celebration, recognition, and impact. Held on May 16, the Gala drew a full house of community leaders, corporate sponsors, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and first aid advocates from across British Columbia.
This year’s Gala placed special focus on IMPACT — celebrating not only the accomplishments of the past year but also the individuals and partnerships that continue to shape a safer, more resilient community.
The evening featured remarks from several distinguished speakers, including Mr. Ty Speer, Dr. Frederick Yim, and Mr. Sing Lim Yeo, each underscoring the importance of volunteerism, civic responsibility, and the power of compassion.
- Mr. Ty Speer reflected on the role of community leadership in fostering public preparedness and resilience.
- Dr. Frederick Yim, in his keynote address, highlighted the critical need for first aid awareness and training, encouraging continued investment in education that saves lives.
- Mr. Sing Lim Yeo, a long-standing advocate for public service and multicultural engagement, honored outstanding volunteers and frontline supporters, bringing warmth and depth to the evening’s celebration.
The Gala also recognized Ms. Patricia Yeo, who was awarded the King Charles III Medal by the Honorable Sir Herman Ho, on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. The medal honors her outstanding contributions to community service and long-standing support for St. John Ambulance. Ms. Yeo has been a committed supporter of SJA for over a decade. From helping fund mobile medical units to leading major fundraising events, including “The Knight is Young” gala in support of APYC, her leadership and generosity have left a lasting impact.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the St. John President’s Club — a distinguished group of accomplished leaders who have made substantial contributions to St. John Ambulance through dedicated service and philanthropy. Many members have held key leadership positions and continue to leverage their extensive networks and expertise to drive fundraising efforts and forge strategic partnerships. Their unwavering commitment not only advances the mission of St. John Ambulance but also reflects a broader legacy of community engagement and charitable leadership.
Gala Highlights Included:
- A ceremonial VIP entrance led by bagpipes and color guards.
- Long-Service Medal awards recognizing years of dedicated volunteerism.
- A live therapy dog demonstration, showcasing emotional support services.
- Personal testimonials and a moving real-life lifesaving story.
- Performances by young artists including Jenna and Jasper Zhang, Danelle, and Jahau & Bosco.
- A youth leadership presentation from the Asian Pacific Youth Council (APYC).
- A successful silent auction and 50/50 draw, raising vital funds for St. John’s community programs.
“This Gala is more than a fundraiser,” said one committee member. “It’s a celebration of compassion, readiness, and the belief that anyone can be a hero.”
As the evening concluded with long-service recognitions, closing prayers, and a shared sense of purpose, guests left inspired by the spirit of St. John Ambulance — a legacy built on service, compassion, and the commitment to saving lives.
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief: Raymond Liu
Managing Editor: Shuo Feng
On-Site Reporter: XinYi (Nancy) Li
Translation: Steven Song
Videographers: Shuo Feng
Assistant: Ping Wang
Photo Credit: Alex Wang, Jade Yang