Manitobans show kids their hearts

Cardiac campaign to help kids like Carson 90% complete

Winnipeg, MB (December 4, 2020) – When Carson Burr was born with a heart condition, he was blue and went into immediate distress. Flown from Brandon to Winnipeg, he was already in surgery when his parents, Richele and Alex, arrived. Now a healthy, active teen, Carson and his family are grateful to the team at HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital that saved his life.

In 2018 the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba began a campaign to raise $3.5 million for a new Children’s Heart Centre – the only one of its kind in the province. Now, thanks to the passion of campaign champions Barb and Gerry Price, the cardiac campaign’s goal is $14.7 million, with 90% of the funds raised to date.

Despite being in the midst of the most significant public health crisis in generations, response from individuals, organizations and companies has been overwhelming. Inspired by the life-saving impact on kids like Carson, Canadian Tire dealers across Manitoba and Saskatchewan responded, recently donating $115,000 to the campaign.

“We are happy to help and fortunate to be in a position to contribute, as many of our colleagues’ children have needed to use the services at Children’s Hospital,” says Jim Crighton, dealer / owner of Canadian Tire on Brandon’s 18th Street. “Health care is often something we all take for granted. With a little forward thinking, we are taking care of our staff and community for if and when our kids need it.”

“We are now less than 10% away from our expanded goal, which is excellent news at a time when there is so much concern for the future,” says Mr. Price, chief executive officer of Price Industries and chair of the cardiac campaign. “This major donation from Canadian Tire couldn’t come at a better time and brings us much closer to the finish line. Thank you to Canadian Tire dealer colleagues, their contributors and all the donors to this campaign for being so generous to this cause which is so vital to the children in need of our help.”

“In a time of tremendous uncertainty, Manitobans are once again demonstrating their generosity and their continued commitment to each other,” said Cameron Friesen, Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living. “We are proud to be working with partners to ensure children and the teams who care for them have access to the best equipment, tools and spaces possible.”

Since the current pediatric cardiology clinic opened in 1987, the number of children seen in the clinic has grown from 1,500 to 6,000 annually as conditions that were once fatal are now manageable, and kids with heart conditions are living longer, healthier lives.

In addition to constructing and outfitting the new Children’s Heart Centre, the campaign includes a catheterization lab and fluoroscopy lab, new specialized equipment, and will extend critically important vital signs remote monitoring capabilities across all inpatient units in Children’s Hospital.

In its new location in HSC Winnipeg’s Diagnostic Centre of Excellence, set to open in spring 2021, the clinic will be closer to critical infrastructure kids with heart conditions may need, like the Children’s Emergency Department, operating rooms, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and diagnostic tools including the new pediatric MRI, x-ray and the new cath lab, which opened in early 2020.

“We are humbled by the extraordinary support of people across the province,” says Stefano Grande, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “The generosity of donors like the Canadian Tire dealers reinforces how important the teams at Children’s Hospital are for all of our kids. When we come together, we can make anything possible for sick and injured children.”

“I know how lucky I am to have had the surgery I needed to fix my heart,” says Carson. “When you read all the items the Foundation can to help purchase because of the money people raise, it’s a great feeling.”

Until December 31, an anonymous donor will match all gifts, making twice the impact.
To contribute to the cardiac campaign and make twice the impact for kids like Carson, visit goodbear.ca.

Announcement of new milestone in cardiac campaign

About Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba

The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is dedicated to ensuring that every child treated at HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital receives the best medical care possible.

Since 1971, with incredible donor support, the Foundation has raised more than $100 million to improve the lives of sick and injured children from Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut. Funding supports important programs that bring comfort to sick children during difficult times, the purchase of life-saving equipment, and the advancement of pediatric health research that will improve the lives of children everywhere. Learn more about ways to help at goodbear.ca.

For more information, contact:

Sara Shyiak
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba
204-794-0094
sshyiak@goodbear.ca