Cardiac Gala Raises $644,000 to Bring Hearts Closer to Home

February 3, 2025

Cardiac Gala Raises $644,000 to Bring Hearts Closer to Home
 
Lethbridge, AB – February 3, 2025 – The Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet, in partnership with the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, is thrilled to announce that the Bringing Hearts Home Cardiac Gala, held on Saturday, February 1, has raised an astounding $644,000—exceeding all expectations.
 
"A heartfelt thank you to Southern Alberta! We deeply appreciate everyone who volunteered, sponsored, attended, and donated to make this gala such an incredible success," said Crystal Elliott, Chief Executive Officer of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.
 
The evening featured powerful personal stories from hockey legend Lanny McDonald and local icon Tony Deys, who shared their near-death experiences with cardiac issues. Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen delivered a supportive message as co-chair of the Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet. And to hammer home the evening just before some truly outstanding bidding in the auction, Dr. Sayeh Zielke, Cardiologist and Chair of the Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet, delivered a compelling message highlighting that "Southern Albertans are 26% more likely to die from cardiac issues than those in the rest of the province. This is not acceptable. Southern Alberta, you deserve better!" said Dr. Zielke.
 
Funds raised from the gala will support the Bringing Hearts Home Campaign, a $30 million dollar, 30-month fundraising campaign to establish a Cardiac Sciences Centre of Excellence, bringing a cardiac catheterization lab right here to Lethbridge. You are helping to bring hearts closer to home!
 
The incredible success of the Cardiac gala event was driven largely by a volunteer committee chaired by Lethbridge cardiac nurse practitioner Jaime Cox. "We have a vision and are continuing to create a movement. It is truly inspiring to see people commit to this cause with their efforts and their pocketbooks," added Dr. Zielke.
 
Special thanks to Dunlop Ford, Grandview Cattle, Kasko Cattle Co., Cox Financial Group, Mikado Electric, and DA Electric for their unwavering support.
 
To everyone who joined us for this unforgettable evening—thank you for being part of this mission to transform cardiac care in Southern Alberta!
 
Media Inquiries:
Dr. Sayeh Zielke
Cardiologist & Chair, Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet
(587) 425-3246 | info@chinookcardiology.com
 
About the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation:
The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation is the leading philanthropic partner for Chinook Regional Hospital and surrounding healthcare facilities. With the support of generous donors, we drive innovation, fund state-of-the-art equipment, and sustain essential programs that enhance patient care across Southern Alberta.

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Southern Alberta Accounting Firm MNP Donates $175,000 to Proposed Cardiac Centre of Excellence

Lethbridge, AB – March 11, 2025:
 
The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation (CRHF), on behalf of its Board of Directors and the Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet, is pleased to announce a generous donation commitment of $175,000 from the Lethbridge partners of MNP Canada in support of the Bringing Hearts Home Campaign.
 
“MNP is proud to support the Bringing Hearts Home Campaign as it aligns with our commitment to community well-being,” said David Muryn on behalf of MNP and its partners.. “The opportunity to bring top-tier cardiac care closer to home is important to our firm, our clients, and the broader community. We wholeheartedly endorse the vision for enhanced interventional treatment outlined by Dr. Sayeh Zielke and her colleagues, and we encourage others to contribute to this critical initiative.”
 
The tax-receipt-eligible donation from MNP contributes to the $30 million fundraising campaign, which spans a 30-month period from September 2024 to February 2027.

Click here to read more..
 

Celebrating the Women Around Us | International Women's Day

This International Women's Day (March 8th), we would like to acknowledge the contributions made by amazing women everywhere, especially in our community!

The celebration kicked off early with the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce annual International Women's Day Breakfast at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena allowing some of our staff to enjoy.

Thank you for the opportunity to honor and engage with all of the remarkable women in our region!

Subaru of Lethbridge | Driving Change for Southern Alberta!

A big thank you to Subaru of Lethbridge for partnering with the CRH Foundation last month to Drive For The Heart.

For the full month of February, Subaru made a pledge to donate $25 for each test drive of their new Forrester model - AND $250 from each sale of a Forrester. And the numbers are in!

57 test drives X $25 = $1,425
 
19 Foresters sold X $250 = $4,750
 
Because of Subaru and our WONDERFUL community - $6,175 has been donated to Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation in support of the future Southern Alberta Cardiac Center of Excellence! 
The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation is the leading philanthropic partner for Chinook Regional Hospital and surrounding healthcare facilities. With the support of generous donors, we drive innovation and fund state-of-the-art equipment.