Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Group of Five & Friends Benevolent Society (G5)

The Group of Five & Friends Benevolent Society (G5) is a community-based, volunteer, non-profit charity founded in 2004 in New Westminster, British Columbia. Its sole focus is to raise money and convert those funds into concrete support for Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) by purchasing needed medical equipment, training tools and related incidentals. Rather than granting money to intermediaries, G5 typically buys equipment “on invoice” directly from suppliers and delivers it to the hospital, ensuring that all funds raised are applied to tangible health-care improvements.

G5 works closely with medical professionals, hospital staff and the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation to identify priority needs each year. Over time this has included critical care devices for ICU and Emergency, diagnostic and imaging equipment, training simulators, and patient comfort items, as well as projects such as a children’s playground and the revitalization of the Breast Imaging Reception area.

Since its first fundraiser in 2004, when it exceeded its goal and funded four SCD compression devices instead of one, the society has maintained a twice-yearly fundraising rhythm built around Spring and Fall events like “’Tis The Season” and “Spring Is Right Around The Corner”. Through these campaigns and year-round donations, G5 has financed dozens of equipment purchases, including cerebral oximetry EEG systems, vascular Dopplers, pediatric and anesthesia training tools, orthopedic equipment, vital sign monitors, lifts, and other devices that directly benefit patients and clinical staff at RCH.

The impact extends beyond New Westminster, as Royal Columbian Hospital serves as a major regional and provincial referral centre for trauma, cardiac care, neurosciences, high-risk maternity and neonatal intensive care. By equipping RCH, G5 indirectly supports better outcomes for seriously ill and injured patients from across British Columbia.

G5 collaborates with partners such as the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation and community organizations like the Rotary Club of New Westminster to expand the scale of projects, for example co-funding renovations to clinical and reception spaces. Individuals and businesses support the society through event participation, sponsorships, auction item donations and direct contributions by cheque, e-transfer, or credit card.

While G5 does not operate formal competitive grant programs, it functions as a focused philanthropic vehicle that channels community generosity into targeted capital and equipment investments at Royal Columbian Hospital.