Riva Restaurant Serves Up Community Support
SPHHF CEO Sarah Bragg (left), along with SPHHF Board Director Sue Hodgson (right), accept the generous donation from Riva’s Donna Phillips.
It was a bitterly cold day outside, but hearts at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation (SPHHF) were warmed by the generosity of our community. Thanks to an initiative at Sidney’s Riva restaurant, a significant donation has been made to the current fundraising campaign.
Riva owners, Donna and Bill Phillips, were keen to capitalize on the busy holiday period to raise some funds for a local not-for-profit. Healthcare, and especially the vital work that happens at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, is a cause that’s dear to the couple. They have experienced firsthand the excellent care that our community hospital offers. Donna explained, “Bill wanted to do something to give back, having been at SPH six years ago. The doctor there was wonderful and really made a difference. It’s just the best hospital!”
Donna and Bill mentioned the idea to Seaside Magazine’s owner, Sue Hodgson, who is also a Board Director for SPHHF. Connections were made and the fundraiser was planned. Throughout the month of December five percent of all sales were collected for the hospital. Customers were aware, and very enthusiastic about the idea. The restaurant is always bustling in December but the opportunity to make a difference to healthcare in our community brought in some additional patrons, with bookings for office holiday lunches adding to the total.
Once the month was over and the accounts were tallied, an incredible $14,000 was donated. Donna presented a cheque to Sue, and SPHHF CEO Sarah Bragg, who expressed their gratitude: “The Foundation is extremely grateful for this generous donation, which will be added to our current campaign towards renovations of the Acute Care Unit at SPH. Our thanks to Donna, Bill and the team at Riva Restaurant for this transformational gift that will benefit Saanich Peninsula residents for years to come.”
Bill and Donna have been operating Riva (previously Beacon Landing) for 25 years. They are a cornerstone of the Sidney business community and clearly committed to the Saanich Peninsula and its residents. Thank you to the Riva staff and customers for all the support.
