Our Boards
Abbotsford Hospice and Grief Support Society board members are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting, and they assume fiduciary and philosophical responsibility for the charitable entity legally registered as the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society.
​
Our Board members mirror the diversity of our incredible community.
Abbotsford Hospice and Grief Support Society Board Members
Ryan is a partner with MNP, working with the firm's assurance services group to provide a full suite of audit, assurance and accounting services to help owner-managed businesses. Ryan grew up on southern Alberta and the interior of BC, but he and his family have put down roots in Abbotsford.
"I was drawn to the Society due to the great service that it provides to our community. For some time, I have heard friends and colleagues talk about its great positive impact in Abbotsford. Through several visits, I have been given the honour of seeing how it can bless the lives of those who are receiving support that AHGSS can provide. I want to do what I can to see these services continued and expanded, especially as it relates to family members and younger children who are impacted by the loss of a loved one."
Ryan Calder
BOARD CHAIR
Fran Vanderpol is an active member of our community and currently serves on the UFV Board of Governors and the Board for Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association. She ran their family business, Vanderpol's Eggs Ltd until handing it over to her children. Since then she has continued to stay active, hleping found Character Abbotsfrod and the Peace and Reconiliation Centre that is a UFV/Community partnership.
"In our extended family we have dealt with death way too often, too many of them being young people. Each one leaves such deep wounds and scars. Thankfully it has brought us closer as we learn to express our vulnerability and grieve together. Learning to deal with dying makes our living so much richer."
Fran Vanderpol
SECRETARY
Harsimran is a CPA working at MNP in Abbotsford. He works in assurance services group, providing clients with support and advice to help their businesses succeed. Born in India, Harsimran immigrated to Canada in 2001 with his family and has been living in Abbotsford since. Harsimran graduated from the University of the Fraser Valley with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
​
"I believe that serving the community is a great way to give back for all the opportunities I have received growing up in Abbotsford. Being on the AHGSS Board is a great opportunity for me to help bring awareness to these support services in our community. The work the society does is crucial and much needed in our community. I hope that I can help the society continue to provide the crucial services in our community.”
Harsimran Dhanoa
TREASURER
Kam is a lawyer with Rosborough and Co. and provides services in corporate/commercial law, wills, trusts and estate law and real estate law. Kam recognizes the value of hospice having a family member who passed away in hospice care. He believes there are pockets of the community that could be served with more knowledge about the programs and services offered by hospice and hopes to increase awareness of same. Kam served 6 years as a director with the Surrey Hospice Society and will use that experience to support the growth and stability of the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society.
Kam Grewal
VICE CHAIR
In addition to being a Senior Business Development Specialist at Raymond James, past president Bharathi is actively involved in the community. While still serving as a board member to FVICBA, she sits on the board of the Fraser River Community Crematorium Society. Bharathi also served on the Dasmesh Punjabi School board from 2008-2017 and is currently the chair of the South Asian Studies Institute of UFV’s Community Advisory Committee.
"AHGSS represents compassion and dignity, two important things for any human being at a highly sensitive time. The all-encompassing care for not only the ailing but also their family members, and the continued support of family members who are grieving, is personal to me and very important in the lives of everyone involved."
Bharathi Sandhu
DIRECTOR
Katie Syroid has been volunteering in the community for the past 25 years. Most recently Katie has worked in the non-profit sector for over 10 years for various organizations including, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Katie received her Non-Profit Management Certificate from Simon Fraser University. Now a business owner in Abbotsford, Katie is pleased to volunteer for AHGSS and looks forward to serving the organization that supported her and her family during her father’s illness and passing.
"Volunteering withAHGSS is important to me because of the wonderful work that they do for the community. From their wonderful volunteers to the amazing programs that are offered to those grieving in the community, it is such a vital service and I want to do my part to see that service continue."
Katie Syroid
DIRECTOR
Dr. Chu graduated from the University of Alberta School of Medicine. He then
completed his surgical training at the University of Western Ontario, Ivey Eye
Institute in London, ON.
As a comprehensive ophthalmologist whose expertise is in eyelid, cataract, and glaucoma surgeries, he has performed thousands of
procedures in BC and Ontario. Dr. Chu is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at
UBC, has active practices in Abbotsford, Surrey, and Coquitlam, and has
hospital privileges at Chilliwack General Hospital and Abbotsford Regional
Hospital.
Dr. Gabriel Chu
DIRECTOR
Randy is the President at Aprario Investments, he has passive and active roles in their investments in food manufacturing, distribution, hospitality, and consumer goods. He previously served as treasurer for the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association and as a Director and Chair of Mission Possible, a Vancouver based social enterprise. Randy grew up in and lives in Abbotsford with his wife and their four children.
“Having lost a parent as a child, I understand the realities of grief and the importance of support. The Society’s volunteers, staff, and programs provide a significant value to our community through their support, education, and advocacy. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to support the Society’s growth, program accessibility, and awareness.”
Randy Ferrairo
DIRECTOR
"Even though I help people for an unexpected death financially, of course money never heals a heart. The outreach and support provided through the programs available and offered through Hospice are essential to help people navigate grief, keeping the people of Abbotsford and our community healthy."
Shawna Vandeven
DIRECTOR
Jeevin Phagura: Commercial Banker, Scotiabank
Jeevin is a Senior Relationship Manager with Scotiabank and their local Commercial Banking group, providing financing, deposit, and cash management based solutions and services for local businesses. Jeevin was born and raised in Abbotsford, having graduated from high school and university locally.
“I was interested in joining the Society as the services being provided are highly impactful on patients and their families. Professional care in a supportive system ensures the patient and their family can take steps together during a time most people will always remember. The Society is well known to provide this along with a meaningful grief and loss support system for families. I would like to do my best to ensure these services are supported to continue benefiting our local community.”
.png)
Jeevin Phagura
DIRECTOR
​Andrew is the director of the Youth Leadership undergraduate and graduate programs at Summit Pacific College in Abbotsford. He has been an instructor at Summit for the past fourteen years and earned his doctorate at Gordon-Conwell Seminary in 2016. Andrew brings a deep understanding of hospice care through his personal experience with Canuck Place, where his youngest daughter passed away in 2009. His journey of personal loss, combined with his passion for education and commitment to mentoring young people, has allowed him to support others in their grief. Andrew is dedicated to ensuring that those in grief have access to compassionate care.
Dr. Andrew Evans
DIRECTOR
