NRI family donate $2 million for research into lung disease

Vancouver, Nov. 24, 2006
Darshan Sahota

NRI Rashpal “Paul” Dhillon's family donated $2 million to support research into the incurable lung disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and the health benefits of cranberries. The funds are the Rashpal Dhillon Fund in Idiopathic Pulmonary Research and the Rashpal Dhillon Fund in Cranberry Research.

Rashpal “Paul” Dhillon died Jan. 6, 2003 from lung disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Two funds totalling $2 million that will advance medical and food nutrition research at the University of British Columbia have been established in memory of one of Canada’s leading cranberry entrepreneurs.

“The Dhillons’contribution to UBC will allow Dr. Knight and his team to find answers to the mysteries of IPF and to make a real difference in patients’ lives,” says Dr. Gavin Stuart, Dean of UBC’s Faculty of Medicine. “The potential exists for significant, life-altering discoveries to be made in this area.”

More than 40,000 people die from IPF in North America every year and affects more than five million people worldwide

• NRI Rashpal “Paul” Dhillon invested in cranberry bogs in Richmond and Pitt Meadows in the late 1970s and his Richberry Group grew to become Canada’s largest producer of cranberries. Dhillon's Richberry and it currently reaps 15 million pounds of berries a year and supports a staff of 100 workers.
• Mr. Rashpal “Paul” Dhillon had also gained distinction as the country’s first Indo-Canadian police officer, having joined the RCMP at the age of 19. He went on to serve 24 years in law enforcement, including service as a corrections officer and sheriff.
• He invested money in a variety of businesses such as restaurant to the taxi company-Bonny's Taxi.
• He always kind, humble and committed community member.
• He was board member of Farm Credit Canada, which gives loans to farmers
• He was well known in comunity to donate a number of nonprofit societies such as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
• His son, Peter Dhillon said that his father was deeply committed to the Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple on Westminster Highway.

More than 2,000 people including political friends Herb Dhaliwal and Allan Rock were present at his funeral.

NR

• Became Canada’s largest producer of cranberries.
• First Indo-Canadian police officer