(Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Bringing Hearts Cardiac Gala to raise funds for cardiac services

Jan 27, 2025 | 11:47 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A large gala is being held this upcoming weekend on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in support of the Southern Alberta Cardiac Sciences Program (SACSP).

The Bringing Hearts Home Cardiac Gala is being touted as the largest gala in Lethbridge, with the SACSP announcing on Monday, January 27 that 528 people will attend, and they have brought in sponsorship and other revenue of over $400,000 before the auctions begin.

Dr. Sayeh Zielke, Physician Lead of Cardiac Sciences for Southern Alberta and Chair of the Cardiac Campaign Advisory Committee said,

“I’m so proud of our volunteer committee, chaired by Jaime Cox. Their commitment,energy and performance in pulling this event together absolutely blows my mind and warms my heart. Along with our partnership with the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, we have exceeded all expectations in attendance and fundraising.”

Funding from the gala will go towards expanding cardiac care in the Lethbridge area and all of southern Alberta. The plan includes a new cardiac catheterization lab, electrophysiology lab, two echocardiography labs, cardiac MRI and CT scanners, and new ICU and cardiology critical care beds, with construction underway at Chinook Regional Hospital.

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Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen says the community support for the gala and the project has been inspiring.

SACSP says that cardiac health issues is the number one cause of death for southern Albertans, and mortality rates are 26.6% higher in this part of the province than the rest of Alberta. They also add the rate of heart attack is 15.5% higher in southern Alberta than the Alberta average.

Hyggen says more cardiologist recruitments will help those who need treatment get it sooner, and will reduce the strain on ambulances in southern Alberta.

The sold-out gala will take place at the Lethbridge and District Exhibition Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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