St. Mary’s RedDAY Supporters Rally A $302,625 Response To Manulife’s Giving Challenge
Last Friday, individuals, families, workplaces, and dignitaries came together to raise awareness of the serious risk of heart disease in women; marking the annual celebration of RedDAY by wearing red and sharing images on social media with the hashtag #RedDayFriday.
In an inspiring display of support, residents of Waterloo Region, the neighbouring communities of Cambridge, Guelph, and Woodstock, and as far reaching as Owen Sound, and Simcoe responded generously in response to RedDAY sponsor Manulife’s offer to match $200,000 in donations to St. Mary’s Regional Cardiac Care Centre, exceeding this objective with a $302,625 contribution.
“Manulife is committed to helping people live healthy lives – but we’re not alone in helping achieve this goal,” said Mike Doughty, President and CEO of Manulife Canada. “Thanks to the generosity of community members, we were able to do our part in increasing awareness of cardiac health amongst women and raising funds to support St. Mary’s Regional Cardiac Care Centre.”
With Manulife’s match, this means a total donation of $502,625 will be directed to help purchase the equipment to establish a much-needed third cardiac catheterization suite at St. Mary’s.
“It’s clear that these communities care passionately about the cardiac health of the women in their lives, and by extension, their friends, neighbours, and co-workers. And, they recognize that investment is required to ensure ongoing access to the advanced cardiac care provided at St. Mary’s. We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Manulife giving challenge. What an amazing endorsement of the excellent care provided by the physicians and staff of St. Mary’s,” says Susan Dusick, President, St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation.
Fueled by an ever-expanding and aging population, the number of people in Waterloo Region living with heart disease is increasing. This increased patient volume is placing significant demands on the facilities of St. Mary’s Cardiac Care Centre. St. Mary’s currently operates with two catherization suites. Funds raised through RedDAY and the Manulife match will be directed to the establishment of a third catheterization suite at St. Mary’s.
“The volume of procedures performed through catheterization at St. Mary’s has grown over the last number of years and will reach well beyond 6,500 this year. This is comparable to what other centres accomplish with three or four suites. Our resources are stretched beyond capacity. With procedures projected to grow substantially in the next five years, there is a significant risk to patient care unless a third catheterization suite is added.” states Dr. Brian McNamara, Chief of Cardiovascular Services at St. Mary’s Cardiac Care Centre.
Catheterization facilities form the essential foundation of a cardiovascular program. During cardiac catheterization, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted in an artery and threaded through blood vessels to the heart. This procedure is fundamental in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions.
For more information about RedDAY, visit www.redday.ca.
About St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation
St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patient care at St. Mary’s General Hospital through the funding of vital equipment and programs. In addition to larger capital projects, St. Mary’s General Hospital relies upon the Foundation to provide the necessary funds each year to cover costs related to on-going replacement and enhancement of standard equipment which is not covered by Government funding. Over the past 10 years the Foundation has transferred over $50 million to the hospital, enabling innovative patient-centered care, delivered with compassion and respect.
Media Contact:
Susan Dusick
St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation
T: 519-749-6539 x1514; C: 519-591-5872
sdusick@supportstmarys.ca