As elite equestrians from around the globe prepare to showcase their skill at the prestigious CPKC International Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows on Sept. 7, another dedicated team will be cheering them on.
For the eighth time, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute is partnering with CPKC's Clear Rounds for Heart, part of the CPKC Has Heart community investment program, with the goal of turning exceptional athletic performance into life-saving impact.
For every clear round jumped, including clear jumping rounds with time faults, at this year's Grand Prix, CPKC will donate $10,000 to support cardiovascular research at the Libin Institute, to help those affected by heart disease.
Libin Director Dr. Paul Fedak, MD, PhD, expressed gratitude for CPKC's continued support of the institute, which aims to improve cardiovascular outcomes in southern Alberta and beyond through innovative cardiovascular research, education and clinical care.
"CPKC's support for our institute's mission is truly remarkable, and we deeply appreciate their partnership," says Fedak. "This event not only raises important awareness about cardiovascular health, but it also directly contributes to research and patient care right here in Calgary. CPKC's commitment to our community is exceptional."
The CPKC's Clear Rounds for Heart initiative has raised nearly $750,000 for the Libin Cardiovascular Institute, supporting numerous projects including the purchase of specialized imaging equipment and the institute's Precision Medicine Initiative.
More research needed for women's heart health
This year, proceeds will support the Libin's Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative (WCHI), which is dedicated to saving women's lives by preventing and treating cardiovascular disease. One woman in Canada dies every 16 minutes of cardiovascular disease, yet women remain under-studied, under-recognized, under-diagnosed and under-treated when it comes to heart health.
"We're deeply thankful to CPKC for their ongoing support, which helps us advance women's cardiovascular research and care in Calgary and beyond," says Dr. Roopinder Sandhu, MD, the director of the WCHI. "Proceeds from the event will support the WCHI, including its new pilot clinic focused on treating women at risk of, or with heart disease. Together, we can transform heart health and the health system for women."
Activities at Spruce Meadows to boost heart-health awareness
On Sunday Sept. 7, visitors attending the Masters event at Spruce Meadows can enjoy engaging, family-friendly activities designed to boost awareness of cardiovascular health all while helping raise funds for the Libin Institute. For every participant that completes the activities, CPKC will contribute $20 towards this important cause.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of premature death worldwide, affecting millions of people. Research shows that up to 80 per cent of these deaths could be prevented by empowering individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Since its inception, CPKC Has Heart has helped raise over $55 million to support heart-health initiatives in communities across North America.
The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta at the Cumming School of Medicine support cardiovascular science research, education and patient care as an entity of both Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary. The institute's researchers and clinicians are changemakers working to provide tomorrow's health care today.
