Edmonton, AB – March 5, 2020 – This February, the University Hospital Foundation raised over $350,000 for better diagnosis of heart conditions through Heart Month fundraisers, including 630 CHED Heart Pledge Day presented by Durabuilt Windows & Doors.

Hundreds of people donated to the Foundation’s radio-thon in support of the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (Maz), and throughout February through a variety of community events, including the Maz Spin-A-Thon. These events showcase the importance of community support to the Maz.

“Without community support, from our sponsors, volunteers, and every single donor who called in, visited our website, or stopped by the Maz, we wouldn’t be able to continue to support this facility and ensure it remains one of the world’s leading complex cardiac institutes,” said Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, President & CEO of the University Hospital Foundation. “This event demonstrates how important every donation, every dollar, is. When you add everything together we can do amazing things for this community.”

This year, funds raised will be used to purchase new diagnostic equipment, like echocardiogram machines. Diagnostics are critical to providing the best heart care, and at the Maz, treatment plans for 90% of patients begin with echocardiograms. Technology is always changing, and having the latest in diagnostic equipment, ensures patients continue to receive the best care.

“It is impossible for us to keep innovating without support from donors,” said Dr. Robert Welsh, Interventional Cardiologist at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and Edmonton Zone Clinical Department Head, Cardiac Sciences. “Innovations improve patient outcomes and shorten hospital stays. We greatly appreciate the contributions people make to support the Maz and the care patients receive here.”

Heart Pledge Day would not be possible without the generosity of corporate sponsors who not only dedicate much needed funds to the event, but also their time. Sponsors bring volunteers to answer phones and take donations at the event, and fundraise with their employees throughout the month of February. Durabuilt Windows & Doors has been the presenting sponsor of Heart Pledge Day since 2016. They enjoy participating and seeing the event grow every year.

“One of Durabuilt’s core values is caring. It’s not just for our employees and our customers, it’s about caring for the community too,” said Jeff Ward, Director, Business Development & Marketing for Durabuilt Windows & Doors. “After 30 years in Edmonton, the community has given so much to us. It’s important for us to be involved in the community and give back.”

Donations to the foundation in support of the Mazankowski Alberta Hospital Foundation directly impact patients every day.

“The care I received at the Mazankowski was second to none, from every single person involved in my care from the doctors and nurses, to the food services staff. There’s no better care anywhere in the world,” said grateful patient, Mandy Rousselle. “I’m thankful this hospital was here to save my life. I am alive simply because people donated.”

630 CHED Heart Pledge Day is one of the University Hospital Foundation’s signature fundraising events, supporting the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. It occurs each February, during Heart Month.

To learn more about Heart Pledge Day visit HeartPledgeDay.ca.

University Hospital Foundation

The University Hospital Foundation raises and manages funds to advance patient care, research and healthcare innovation at the University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic. For more information visit GivetoUHF.ca.