August 21, 2023
Golfers could not have asked for a better day for the National Bank Cardiac Classic.
The sold-out 2023 golf tournament was held Monday, August 14, at Niakwa Country Club. The weather was clear and sunny, with only a light breeze and an afternoon high of 25 C.
Jonathan Letkemann thanked golfers in his first public remarks as the new Chair of St. Boniface Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“Over the past decade, participants in the tournament have made a significant impact on cardiac care and related clinical research at St. Boniface Hospital just by enjoying a day on this beautiful golf course,” he said. “Thanks to your generosity, the 2023 National Bank raised over $150,000, which brings out 11-year total to well over $800,000,” he added.
Invited to donate to Manitoba’s Cardiac Centre of Excellence in person at Niakwa, golfers and teams stepped up in a big way. Day-of donations reached a record-high total of $40,000, doubling the amount raised at last year’s tournament.
“Cardiac Sciences St. Boniface Hospital sees more than 51,000 patient visits every year. Your support contributes not only to exceptional patient care, but also to research into the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of heart problems,” Karen Fowler, President and CEO of St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, told golfers.
“I’ve personally met countless grateful patients whose lives have been saved at St. Boniface Hospital. Thanks to you, each of them has another chance to get more hugs from their kids and grandkids, have more birthdays and, of course, enjoy more golf games. On their behalf, I want to say a big thank you to our title sponsor National Bank and our event sponsors,” she said.
Fowler also thanked Bob Lafreniere (pictured at right) for completing 10 years as Tournament Chair, with this year being his last in the role. “Bob has been a big part of this tournament’s success, and it would not have become what it is without him,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming him back as a player in the years to come.”
Dr. Anita Soni, St. Boniface Hospital’s new Cardiac Sciences Medical Specialty Lead, has credited donors for supporting new initiatives at St. Boniface, including a program for women’s heart health and a related clinical research position.
More than 51,000 patients receive care through the Cardiac Sciences program annually. This includes about 1,300 cardiac surgeries at the Hospital each year. Meanwhile, the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences (ICS) at St. Boniface Hospital Research is widely considered one of the premier cardiovascular teams in North America, if not the world. The ICS is currently comprised of 15 investigators and has a full time dedicated research staff of more than 100 people.
Help Cardiac Sciences St. Boniface Hospital to provide excellent cardiac care and pursue groundbreaking cardiac research. Give today.