An ambitious campaign to raise $30 million in 30 months to bring cardiac care to Lethbridge has surpassed its goal six months ahead of schedule. The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation announced the Bringing Hearts Home campaign reached its target of $30 million Wednesday morning. “I am humbled by the community,” said Crystal Elliott, Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation CEO. “I’m humbled by the people. I’m humbled by how many individuals—over 1,200 donors to date—have stepped up to walk beside us in the journey for Bringing Hearts Home.” The campaign began in 2024 to help establish a Southern Alberta Cardiac Care Centre of Excellence at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge. “Building of the program has already begun with the government’s announcement of funding and approval, so it’s well on its way of being built, but we can and we do use the funds raised to be able to address our priorities in the region as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Sayeh Zielke, chair of the Southern Alberta Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet. In an effort to reach the goal, G. Thompson Livestock Co. of Iron Springs, Alta., made a donation of $500,000 Wednesday morning. “I was one of those people that had to drive to Calgary seven or eight times to get my heart condition fixed, and I realize the families that have to travel outside of southern Alberta … I’m surely not alone, so it meant a lot to me,” said Glen Thompson, founder and president of G. Thompson Livestock Co. The milestone comes half a year before the campaign was supposed to close in January 2027. “To have reached our goal in 24 months versus our 30-month target is unheard of,” said Elliott. The future centre will be located on the fifth floor of the Chinook Regional Hospital and serve all of southern Alberta. Every year, close to 1,300 patients travel outside of the region for specialized care. “Because we have raised the money, we can actually move forward and are already doing so,” said Elliott. “Currently, we are moving forward with a major resuscitation project in Chinook Regional Hospital, and that’s going to be about $500,000. Without the fundraising money, we wouldn’t be able to move forward with this project right now, and within the next six months that’s going to be implemented.” The provincial government has committed $59 million over the next three years toward the total $445-million project. While the goal has been reached, the foundation says donations will continue to be accepted to help advocate for and bring the centre to the city. “So, to be able to provide that care here closer to home, it means saving lives,” said Zielke.
