Gunwant “Gunni” Bains, founder of the Golden Girls Group, began this journey with a simple desire to make a difference.
Thirty years ago, Gunni volunteered at BC Children’s Hospital, where she was deeply moved by the experiences of the children and families she encountered. She felt a strong desire to do more and, one day, shared that vision with a few close friends. Together, they turned that vision into action and formed a society dedicated to raising funds for important causes.
The Golden Girls Group was officially registered with the Society of British Columbia in 1998, and since then, its primary focus has remained supporting BC Children’s Hospital.
Over the years, the Golden Girls Group has proudly donated more than $5 million to BC Children’s Hospital, making a lasting impact on children and families across British Columbia.
One of the group’s most significant achievements was its campaign to fund a surgical suite at BC Children’s Hospital. With an ambitious fundraising goal of $3 million, the Golden Girls Group successfully raised $1.5 million, which was then matched by the provincial government, bringing the total contribution to $3 million. The funds were raised under the name Guru Nanak Khajana, and as a result, the surgical suite was named the Guru Nanak Surgical Suite.
The Golden Girls Group remains the only South Asian group affiliated with BC Children’s Hospital and has built a strong, longstanding relationship with the hospital based on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to supporting children in need.
Each year, the organization hosts its signature Annual Gala Dinner, bringing the community together to celebrate, give back, and support an important cause.
This year’s Gala will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Grand Taj Banquet Hall. Tickets are $75 and include appetizers, dinner, entertainment, prizes, singing, and dancing.
With a fundraising goal of $60,000 this year, the Golden Girls Group continues its mission of giving back and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
Together, through compassion, community, and generosity, the Golden Girls Group continues to turn the spirit of giving into lasting impact.
