Southern Alberta livestock company owner Glen Thompson's donation of $500,000 has helped the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation surpass its $30 million goal for its 'Bringing Hearts Home' campaign. (Image Credit: Dave Lueneberg | LNN)

By Dave Lueneberg

Foundation CEO 'humbled' by community su

Bringing Hearts Home campaign goal achieved by Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation

Jul 15, 2026 | 1:35 PM

The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation has reached its fundraising goal of $30 million to go towards a a new cardiac care centre in Lethbridge.

The announcement, made this morning inside part of the hospital space the new centre will be housed in, followed a $500,000 donation by livestock company owner Glen Thompson.

Foundation CEO Crystal Elliott was asked shortly afterwards to, put into words, what she’s feeling having reached their goal.

“Humbled…I am humbled by the community. I am humbled by the people,” Elliott said.

“I am humbled by how many individuals, over 1,200 donors, that have stepped up, to date, to walk beside us in the journey for Bringing Hearts Home.”

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The man behind the donation, Glen Thompson, said he was inspired to give by the dedication by local cardiologist Dr. Sayeh Zielke and her unwavering committment to have the project reach its goal.

Every year, close to 1,300 patients are sent for specialized care outside of the region.

“And, I was one of those people that actually had to drive to Calgary,” Thompson explained.

“Seven or eight times just to get my heart condition fixed, and I realized the families that have to travel from southern Alberta. I’m surely not alone.”

The foundation had originally set itself a goal raising the money by January 2027.

More exact details on the project are expected to be revealed in September.

by Dave Lueneberg

Bringing Hearts Home campaign goal achieved by Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation

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