Abbotsford Couple Leads Surrey Diabetes Fundraiser
An Abbotsford couple with deep community ties is once again stepping up to fight Type 1 diabetes. Paul and Sharan Narang, owners of Smart Wireless/Bell Mobility locations in the Fraser Valley, have already raised more than $600,000 for the cause through years of dedicated fundraising. Now, they are preparing to host their 16th annual diabetes fundraiser in Surrey on Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Westfield Country Club, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
The fundraiser supports Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which funds cutting-edge research at the University of B.C.’s Centre of Excellence.
A Mission Born From Personal Connection
The Narangs’ journey with fundraising began in 2008, their first year in business, with a simple idea. They hosted a small dinner at a pub, invited friends, and asked each guest for a $10 donation. That first night, raffle tickets and a few prizes helped them raise $500.
Encouraged by the results, they decided to make it an annual tradition. Year after year, the fundraiser grew bigger, eventually attracting more than 300 business leaders and professionals who now gather to support the cause.
Growing Support and Community Impact
The turning point came during their fifth fundraiser, when friends unexpectedly contributed large donation cheques. That moment shifted the event into something much larger, bringing in sponsors, corporations, and community organizations.
Today, the fundraiser is one of the most anticipated charity evenings in the region, combining community spirit with life-changing generosity. The 2025 event raised $100,000 alone, proving the power of collective commitment to health and research.
How to Participate This Year
Tickets, sponsorships, and raffle entries for the Oct. 25 event are available at shorturl.at/MSrst, or by emailing sharan@smartwireless.ca. Organizers encourage early participation, as the fundraiser continues to grow each year.
The Narangs’ story is proof that one small act of kindness can evolve into a movement. Their work continues to inspire countless others to join the fight against Type 1 diabetes.
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X
