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Lethbridge hospital foundation hits $30 million cardiac centre fundraising goal early
🇨🇦 Canada /Good News

Lethbridge hospital foundation hits $30 million cardiac centre fundraising goal early

From Global News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation in Lethbridge, Alberta, has reached its $30 million fundraising goal for a new Cardiac Centre of Excellence, several months ahead of schedule.
  • The campaign, supported by over 1,200 donors, aims to improve heart care for southern Albertans who currently face longer travel times to specialized facilities.
  • The project, which will add 30 beds to the hospital, is now entering the design phase with provincial funding also contributing to the estimated $445 million total cost.

Lethbridge, Alberta – The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation has achieved its ambitious $30 million fundraising goal for a new Cardiac Centre of Excellence, surpassing expectations by reaching the target months ahead of its January 2027 deadline. This community-driven initiative, named the "Bringing Hearts Home Campaign," saw over 1,200 donors contribute to establishing vital cardiac care services in southern Alberta.

The community has been so incredibly generous that we have exceeded our goal in a shorter amount of time than was expected.

— Dr. Sayeh ZielkeA cardiologist and pioneer of the Bringing Hearts Home Campaign, commenting on the fundraising success.

Cardiologist Dr. Sayeh Zielke, a key figure in the campaign, highlighted the critical need for local cardiac services. "Some people, when they’re critically ill, that travel is incredibly dangerous and sometimes they’re too sick to travel," she explained. Currently, patients in southern Alberta face higher fatality rates due to the extensive travel required to reach specialized facilities in Calgary.

Some people, when they’re critically ill, that travel is incredibly dangerous and sometimes they’re too sick to travel.

— Dr. Sayeh ZielkeExplaining the critical need for local cardiac care for patients in southern Alberta.

The foundation's success was bolstered by significant community support, including a $500,000 donation from G. Thompson Livestock Co. Crystal Elliott, CEO of the CRHF, celebrated the collective effort, stating, "The community has been so incredibly generous that we have exceeded our goal in a shorter amount of time than was expected." The funds raised will address regional priorities as the project moves into its design phase, with the provincial government also committing $59 million over three years.

Over 1,200 donors to date have stepped up and in to walk beside us on this journey to bringing hearts home.

— Crystal ElliottCEO of the CRHF, highlighting the community's broad support for the campaign.

The total estimated cost for the Cardiac Centre of Excellence is around $445 million. While the locally raised funds are a substantial contribution, they represent a portion of the overall investment needed to bring comprehensive cardiac care closer to home for thousands of residents.

I was one of those people that actually had to drive to Calgary seven or eight times just to get my heart condition fixed. I realize the families that have to travel across southern Alberta, I’m surely not alone.

— Glen ThompsonA donor from G. Thompson Livestock Co., explaining his personal connection to the need for local heart care.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Global News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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