July 20, 2022

(Thunder Bay, ON) – On Saturday, in a surprise announcement at the Canada Life Cava Memorial Golf Tournament, Canada Life unveiled a $35,000 contribution supporting Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s cardiac campaign.

“Canada Life is pleased to gift $35,000 to the Foundation’s Our Hearts At Home cardiac campaign to bring cardiovascular surgery to Thunder Bay. This will help increase accessibility to life-changing surgical programs for Northwestern Ontarians with cardiovascular disease,” says Mike Rigato, Vice-President Advanced Advisor Practices, Canada Life. “We recognize how stressful and difficult travel for cardiac surgery can be for patients, families, and caregivers. That’s why we’re proud to support the establishment of these important services right here in Thunder Bay. Together, we can take the necessary steps to help build a stronger, healthier community for all.”

Canada Life’s funding will go towards helping the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation establish a local cardiovascular surgery program and facility.

“This gift is going to help make a difference for so many people in Northwestern Ontario,” says Terri Hrkac, Senior Director of Philanthropy, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “We are exceptionally grateful for Canada Life’s generosity and their longstanding support of the Foundation over the years. Their support has been instrumental in the development of our cancer and cardiac programs.”

A significant portion of the hospital’s cardiac program is already well underway, with vascular surgery happening 24/7 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Three dedicated vascular surgeons perform life and limb-saving procedures, while the hospital’s two cardiac cath labs see hundreds of patients each year for a variety of diagnostic, scheduled, and emergency procedures.

Complete cardiovascular surgery is the next step in the full program, and the hospital and project teams are currently working with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in the planning and design of the cardiac surgery program and facility.

The Canada Life Cava Memorial Golf Tournament has raised over $600,000 for local charities and foundations since its inception. This year fundraising proceeds will be dedicated exclusively to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation in support of the Ibn Sina Simulation Lab.

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For more information, please contact:

Bianca Kelos
Director, Engagement
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
Tel: 807-684-7111 

Cell: 807-252-0412
E-mail: bianca.kelos@healthsciencesfoundation.ca