A $100,000 donation is being made to the Bringing Hearts Home cardiac campaign in Lethbridge. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

$100,000 donation to Lethbridge cardiac care centre

Sep 17, 2025 | 11:14 AM

A couple from Lethbridge has made a sizable donation to future healthcare services in the city.

Glenn and Janice Varzari are giving $100,000 to the Bringing Hearts Come cardiac campaign.

Janice says, “We are honoured to contribute this donation, as heart disease has touched the lives of many within our families and circle of friends. We hope that our support will help enhance heart health services across southern Alberta.”

The $30 million campaign will result in the construction of a new cardiac catheterization lab, a dedicated electrophysiology lab, two new echocardiography labs, cardiac MRI and CT scanners, and expanded cardiac ICU capacity at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

The goal is to ensure that people from the Lethbridge area are able to get high-quality, heart-related care closer to home.

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Crystal Elliott, CEO of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, says this will eliminate the need for long, stressful trips to Calgary.

“With each new gift, we are getting closer to ensuring that patients and families can access the care they need, when they need it, without leaving their community,” says Elliott. “Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier future, right here at home.”

Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in southern Alberta, with mortality rates 29.6 per cent higher than the provincial average. Fatal heart attacks here are also 15.5 per cent higher.