Bayleaf Indian Fusion marked the beginning of a new business venture in Fernie with a fundraiser for Angel Flight East Kootenay.
Bayleaf has opened a new location at the Fernie Golf Club, and it held two grand opening parties there on April 4 and 8. The locally-owned Asian fusion restaurant is a chain establishment with locations in Cranbrook and Creston, and the event marked the business’s first foray into the Elk Valley.
The event gathered a terrific amount of local support and managed to raise $3,500. Proceeds are going to Angel Flight East Kootenay to help transport residents to Kelowna for medical appointments.
Bayleaf owner Dilip Chand has a personal connection to Angel Flight. In 2019, the non-profit flew Chand to the intensive care unit in Kelowna to be with his son, who was getting special medical attention after being born premature. Chand wanted to give back to an organization that helped his family and lends a valuable service to the community.
Angel Flight East Kootenay founder Brent Bidston said the money will help 35 people access specialized medical care that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to.
As for Chand, he plans to make the fundraiser an annual event.
“We are thrilled to support Angel Flight East Kootenay and contribute to their vital mission. This fundraiser marks the beginning of an annual tradition for Bayleaf, as we strive to give back to the community that has welcomed us so warmly,” Chand remarked in a media release.
*This article was updated from an original version that incorrectly stated that Chand’s son was flown to the intensive care unit in Kelowna in 2019. Angel Flight East Kootenay did not begin to transport infants in its aircraft until last year.