February is Heart Month is here! The Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation has not skipped a beat in preparing for this highly anticipated opportunity for individuals, groups, and businesses to raise funds and awareness for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI).
In 2025, the community raised $1.4 million, breaking past records, thanks to incredible match sponsors and generous donors. This year’s goal, set even higher, is needed to prevent and fight heart disease, one of the leading causes of death in Canada.
Beloved by the local community, the world-renowned University of Ottawa Heart Institute is one of the foremost cardiac centres in Canada, a beacon for innovative patient care, prevention, education, and ground-breaking research. Last year the Institute performed 2,116 open-heart and catheter-based procedures, 69,749 diagnostic tests and welcomed over 248,000 patient visits.
“As we celebrate Heart Month together, I love driving home each evening and seeing the city lit up in red,” said Dr. Rob Beanlands, president and CEO of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. “It symbolizes our collective recognition of the need to fight and eradicate heart disease. I am moved by each event, especially knowing that they are often held in appreciation of the institute’s work or to honour someone who has received cardiac care. Each red paper heart is a reminder of the heartfelt generosity of our region and beyond.”
Preventing people from becoming patients – This year’s Heart Month ambassador Bonnie Bowes
Bonnie Bowes is the Vice President, Quality, Risk and Health Information and Chief Nursing Officer at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. She is also the clinical lead of the pioneering One Million Canadian Hearts initiative.
A hallmark Initiative of the Heart Institute’s newly launched strategic plan, Your Heart. Your Institute. Our Future – Together. One Million Canadian Hearts has set an impressive goal of screening one million Canadians for cardiovascular disease risk factors.
One Million Canadian Hearts is focused on preventing heart disease by screening early, identifying risk factors and intervening swiftly.
“This initiative presents a unique opportunity to take the Heart Institute’s expertise and knowledge directly to the community and apply it before people become patients,” said Bowes. “We want to eliminate risk factors to help prevent heart disease from ever occurring and work to create healthier communities. Our work, including One Million Canadian Hearts, would simply not be possible without the ongoing generosity of our caring community.”
Heart month donations matched
This year, donations received throughout the month will be matched by generous sponsors Fiera Capital and SerCo Construction Ltd. and weekly sponsors: Preston Hardware, Mark Motors Group, Carleton Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd., Giovanni’s Restaurant, and the Mierins Family Foundation.
“As ‘February Is Heart Month’ arrives, we’re filled with excitement, not just because it’s a time to raise awareness, and funds, but because it’s a time when our entire community comes together in the most inspiring way. From storefronts glowing red to landmarks lit up in honour of heart health, or in memory of loved ones, the city transforms into a beacon of hope and unity,” said Lianne Laing, president of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation. “Every red light, every story, every donation is a symbol of our shared commitment to saving lives and supporting one of Canada’s leading cardiac centres. I can’t wait to see what we are able to accomplish this February.”
How to get involved
#LightTheCapitalRed
Dozens of businesses and homes help light the capital red each year, anchored by Dymon Storage. Preston Hardware has stocked up on red lighting and will donate a portion of all sales to the Heart Institute in February. Arevco Lighting will donate basic red bulbs to participants, and offer a trade discount to anyone wishing to upgrade their fixtures or purchase smart bulbs during Heart Month.
The Paper Hearts campaign
Keep your eye out for walls and windows of red paper hearts when visiting your favourite local business. Dozens of locations will sell hearts across the city and share images of their vibrant displays on social media. It’s not too late for your business to become a Paper Heart campaign supporter – please visit this link to learn more and receive your info sheet.
City-wide community events
Over one hundred community initiatives will happen throughout February is Heart Month. Our Community Initiative Partners are offering an amazing variety of opportunities to get involved and show your support for life-saving cardiovascular research, education, and care in Ottawa.
Our partners are passionate about making sure that these activities and events gain as much attention and momentum as possible.
From raising awareness of the importance of heart health to hosting amazing fundraising opportunities, our proud supporters have gone above and beyond with their dedication to supporting the mission of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Upcoming events
- Happiness Habits 613: The volunteer-based Happiness Habits 613, brings back their “28 Days of Happiness” project in February. A longtime supporter of the Heart Institute, Happiness Habits is a grassroots group in Ottawa-Gatineau that cultivates healthy habits in the community. Bringing the community “28 days of WOW!” this February, their invigorating schedule offers many free community fitness, wellness and happiness events.
- Ottawa Charge vs. Boston Fleet: The Foundation would like to invite the Heart Institute’s friends and family to celebrate with us! Follow the link below for discounted tickets to cheer on the Ottawa Charge at TD Place on February 28 at 2:00p.m.
- Heartwarming Stories: 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.
