Canadian Tire has kicked off its annual Fix-A-Heart campaign, aiming to raise $100,000 by December 24 to support heart health programs at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. The campaign involves Canadian Tire stores across Greater Victoria partnering with the Victoria Hospitals Foundation to fund a CryoCath CryoConsole, a vital piece of equipment that helps treat arrhythmias and restore heart health. To boost the effort, Canadian Tire has pledged to match donations up to $20,000. This community-driven Christmas fundraiser aspires to bring people together to help improve heart health during the holiday season.
Dr. Anthony Della Siega, an interventional cardiologist at Royal Jubilee Hospital, highlighted the significance of the Fix-A-Heart campaign during a press conference hosted by the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. “These are necessary pieces of equipment that are really hard to attain through the normal processes in health care,” he explained. “Endeavours like this allow us to acquire this equipment earlier, making a vital difference in patient care.” Siega stressed how important this fundraiser is, “I’ve worked here for about 20 years, and this program has provided a lot of the equipment I use every day, which also helps our patients,” he said.
The Fix-A-Heart campaign was founded in 2003 by Peter Spillette, former owner of the Langford Canadian Tire store and a supporter of cardiac care on Vancouver Island. After his passing in 2008, Canadian Tire owners and staff honored his vision with a $1 million commitment to advanced cardiac equipment at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Five existing and three past store owners continue this annual tradition, running from November 24 to December 24. From 2003 to 2020, this initiative raised over $1 million for critical equipment like ECG machines, critical care beds, and cardiac ultrasounds.
In 2021, Canadian Tire locations in Hillside, Langford, View Royal, Royal Oak, and North Saanich, along with the Gordon Head Auto Centre, renewed their commitment to raising another $1 million over the next decade. Their annual goal of $100,000 will continue supporting life-saving cardiac care in the region.
Source: Oak Bay News
