Imagine a beautiful spring evening as a rose-coloured dusk falls over the distant mountains that ring the heart of the Fraser Valley. Women exquisitely dressed in saris and ball gowns are escorted by friends and partners in tuxedos and achkens as they approach the most elegant gala evening of the year. They have their special invitations in hand for the fundraising event of the year, the one that will help to establish the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies and Research at the University College of the Fraser Valley (UCFV).  There are so many familiar faces, and many new people to meet. A sitar player presides over the outset of the evening as people hug, bow, shake hands, and laugh. There is palpable excitement in the air.

The "New Horizons" gala will be held on the evening of Saturday, May 29 at the new Ramada Conference Centre in Abbotsford. 

The "New Horizons" gala will be focal point for our major fundraising efforts for the campaign," says community volunteer fundraising chair Parm Bains. "The gala will give us the opportunity to thank our leadership donors and to enlist the support of everyone who attends the event."

 The campaign to establish the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies and Research at UCFV has a target of raising $3 million from the community to create an endowment which will fund the activities and programs of the Centre in the future. UCFV is also applying for $1.25 million matching grant under the provincial government's "regional innovation research chairs" program, to operate a world-class research chair that will focus on economic development.

The new Centre will be the first of its kind in Canada. Along with research into economic development, the Centre will be responsible for the development of an Indo-Canadian studies program for students and undertake activities which will lead to better awareness and understanding of the Indo-Canadian community.

The New Horizons Gala will be UCFV's major fundraising event for the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies and Research that will open its doors in September. Already, UCFV offers a number of courses that educate all students about the complex and dynamic history, culture, and social issues related to the Indo-Canadian community in BC and across the country. 

The Centre will expand greatly on this work. It will include a world-class researcher who will focus on many economic challenges and opportunities. It will become a place where students and members of the community can meet to discuss the many issues involved in recognizing the contribution of this growing group within our communities. It will be a place to explore and discover new ways to improve understanding, integration, and collaboration.

As a home for research, ideas, information, debate, education, and a wide variety of programs and activities, the Centre will grow and evolve to serve the entire community. It will benefit students immediately through more courses and research experiences, as well as opportunities to study in India. It will provide a valuable information resource for business people, political leaders, and community developers. It will define UCFV as a university that clearly reflects its community.  The work of the Centre will be guided by a community advisory council.

The gala evening on May 29 will be a dynamic and dramatic series of presentations, announcements, entertainment, and inspiration.  Gala guests will enjoy fine entertainment, from the sweet sounds of sitar music and classical singing to the excitement of whirling Bhangra dancers and throbbing dhol drummers.  Two buffets will provide exquisite Indian food - one vegan, the other featuring lamb and chicken curries and other fine cuisine.

To add to the excitement, major donors and sponsors will be announced throughout the evening by a celebrity host. UCFV students who have helped organize the event will sell raffle tickets on an array of appealing prizes such as valuable jewelry and trips to exotic locales.

 "For those who attend the New Horizons Gala on May 29, it will be a chance to celebrate the diversity of our communities, to leave a legacy for their children and grandchildren, and to be part of a defining moment in the history of their community and their university," said Bains. "We will be asking everyone who attends the gala to help support this important cause."

Anyone who would like to learn more about the New Horizons gala and the fundraising activities for the UCFV Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies and Research should contact campaign director, Madeleine Hardin at 604-854-4566 or email Madeleine.Hardin@ucfv.ca