A night of laughter. A legacy worth celebrating.
Comedy for a cause took centre stage at West Coast Roast presented by Nicola Wealth: A Friendly Toast to Fred Lee — an unforgettable night of humour, heart, and community impact where we raised over $590,000!
This high-energy celebration paid tribute to Fred Lee’s philanthropic legacy uniting Vancouver’s changemakers, community leaders, and philanthropists around a shared purpose: a stronger tomorrow for children living with arthritis.
From iconic emcees George Stroumboulopoulos and Gloria Macarenko, to our legendary roasters who kept us laughing all night, to Grace for bravely sharing her story and to Fred Lee for taking the hot seat with grace and humour — the laughter was contagious and the energy electric.
Thanks to our generous sponsors, guests, event partners, volunteers and Committee more children living with arthritis will have access to the care and support they deserve.
Together, we are building a stronger tomorrow for children living with arthritis—starting today!
West Coast Roast Emcees
George Stroumboulopoulos
George Stroumboulopoulos is a globally renowned storyteller, broadcaster, producer, and entrepreneur, synonymous with culture and the creative arts in Canada. He is known for hosting CBC’s The Hour, George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, CNN interview series, and Hockey Night in Canada, and his radio show, The Strombo Show, reaches audiences in 165+ countries. A member of the Order of Canada, he is actively involved in humanitarian causes and social justice initiatives.
Gloria Macarenko
Gloria Macarenko is the host of CBC Vancouver’s afternoon show On the Coast, where she explores the day’s news and local communities. Gloria is also host of CBC Television’s Our Vancouver, a current affairs program that focuses on the city’s diverse culture, as well as The Story from Here, a national Radio One show that brings Canadians lively and intriguing interviews from across the country.
West Coast Roast Roasters
Margaret Gallagher
CBC Radio Host
Darcy Greiner
Longtime friend of Fred Lee
Sophie Lui
Global News Anchor
David Poole
Former SVP Scotiabank, BC & Yukon
Martin Thibodeau
Regional President, BC, RBC Royal Bank
Event Schedule
- 5:00 pm — Registration & Reception
- 6:00 pm — Curtain Rises
- 6:45 pm — Live Auction
- 8:15 pm — The Roast of Fred Lee
- 9:00 pm — Fund-A-Need
- 10:00 pm — Curtain Falls
Helping children living with arthritis to thrive
Stronger Tomorrows: Supporting Children & Youth
Stronger Tomorrows: Supporting Children & Youth shines a light on a reality that often surprises people: arthritis doesn’t wait for old age.
More than 25,000 children and youth across Canada live with this disease, making simple moments like getting out of bed, carrying a backpack, or even playing with friends daily painful battles. Beyond the physical toll, up to 40% of teens with arthritis also experience symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Arthritis is the most common chronic childhood disease in Canada — and Grace has lived with it nearly all her life. Diagnosed with arthritis at just 18 months old, she grew up navigating constant pain and limitations. Thanks to programs like Camp British Columbia, Grace found confidence and community and now returns every summer as a counsellor to support children walking a similar path. As she says, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Arthritis Society Canada.”
Through Stronger Tomorrows, we are raising $1 million in Western Canada to expand programs, strengthen resources, and invest in research that improves outcomes for children and youth.
