The Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation is ramping up for its annual February is Heart Month campaign, supporting the local but globally recognized University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
In 2024, the community rallied, raising over 1.25 million dollars during the February campaign, smashing past records thanks to incredible donors, businesses, and match sponsors. The goal is even bigger this year, and the need remains in the community as heart disease and the increasing epidemic of heart failure are the leading causes of death among Canadians.
Many patients, families, and professionals consider the Heart Institute a “true gem” in our region for its innovative patient care, prevention and ground-breaking research, always putting patients first.
Innovator and Visionary is this Year’s Heart Month Ambassador
This year also marks a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of the Regional STEMI Program that has helped reduce STEMI-related deaths by nearly half.
Founded and led by Dr. Michel Le May, the program has helped thousands of patients suffering from ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a type of life-threatening heart attack. More than 10,000 patients have been treated to date.
Dr. Le May also has the well-deserved honour of being the 2025 February is Heart Month ambassador. In his 40+ year career he has repeatedly demonstrated his passion for heart health in our entire region.
“I’m encouraged by the growing number of people we’re able to help,” says Dr. Michel Le May, “Community involvement plays a crucial role in advancing future research, treatments and cures. What makes the Heart Institute truly exceptional is the strength of our community.”
“Nobody wants to have a heart attack. But if you’re going to have one, this is the best place in the world to do so,” shares Dr. Rob Beanlands, CEO & President of the Ottawa Heart Institute.
“We aspire to elevate our work further, and for that, we need your continued support. Together, we can transform local programs into regional and national successes and ultimately share our advancements on a global scale.”
Heart Month Donations Matched
This year, donations received throughout the month will be matched by generous sponsor Fiera Capital and weekly sponsors: Carleton Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd., Giovanni’s Restaurant, Mark Motors Group, Preston Hardware and the Mierins Family Foundation.
“Your support is critical. Please consider giving with heart today and have your gift matched by our partners,” says Foundation President Lianne Laing.
She adds, “We’re so grateful for the continued support from our business and community partners. Our team continues to be awe-struck by our community’s support. The countless messages, personal stories, and emails we receive remind us daily how much this truly is your Heart Institute.”
How to Get Involved
#LightTheCapitalRed
Dozens of businesses and homes are helping to #LightTheCapitalRed. Dymon Storage once again takes the lead, lighting up red for local heart health. Look way up, and you will see the Main and Main cranes awash in a red glow, in addition to many new and returning participating locations. Preston Hardware has stocked red lighting if you or your business would like to participate.
Take a look at last year’s #LightTheCapitalRed highlight video.
The Paper Hearts campaign
You may also see the red paper hearts on the walls near your favorite business’s checkout. Dozens of locations will be selling their hearts across the city. It’s not too late if your business would like to participate. Please visit this link to learn more and receive your info sheet.
City-wide community events
Over one hundred community initiatives will happen over the 28 days of February.
Returning this year, the Red-Light Run presented by the Ottawa City Run Club and Happiness Habits 613.This 5 km fun-run is a community initiative and is part of February is Heart Month. REGISTER
The volunteer-based Happiness Habits 613, brings back their “28 Days Happiness” project in February. As a longtime supporter of the Heart Institute, they encourage community and happiness-increasing habits like heart-healthy exercise. Their popular family-friendly Winter Pentathlon (5 winter sports) is back on February 1st. Registration required.
Check out the full community event details at our February is Heart Month event calendar.
New this year, we are proud to have partnered with the Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association (CARHA), a national service provider for recreational hockey teams in communities across Canada. Together, we are educating hundreds of thousands of rec hockey players on their heart health. The Mobile Screening program at the Heart Institute will be offering CARHA players the opportunity to visit and to improve their heart health and better understand their risk factors.
Don’t miss award-winning journalist and storyteller Joel Haslam, formerly of CTV News, as he shares incredible stories of courage and survival by Heart Institute patients. Be sure to stay tuned for those throughout the month.
To make a charitable gift and for a complete listing of events and partners, please visit februaryisheartmonth.ca.
