What we do
Since 1976, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) has flourished into Canada’s leading and most distinguished cardiac health centres. It is recognized for the unparalleled care it provides to its patients, and its world-renowned research that brings science from bench to bedside. It is the country’s main influencer when it comes to preventing heart disease.
Its promise remains the very pillar on which it was built, always putting patients first. Through the generous philanthropic support of individuals, businesses, and community events, the Foundation raises funds that power innovative patient-centred care, ground-breaking research, state-of-the-art-equipment, cardiovascular prevention & rehabilitation patient programs, education and the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre.
Graduates from a recent Cardiovascular Rehabilitation class at the Ottawa Heart Institute.
How you can help
Today’s research will be tomorrow’s treatments.
Your contributions will provide the tools and science needed to treat, and eventually eradicate cardiovascular disease. Imagine a future where every cardiac patient has hyper-personalized medicine, surgery, and care, tailored to their own DNA.
Attend a Heart Institute Foundation signature event. Host or join a community event. Fundraise with heart. Consider leaving a powerful gift in your Will. Give a gift of securities.
There are many ways to support the work of the Ottawa Heart Institute funded through life-saving philanthropy. Donor dollars provide the seed funding for early-stage research for future breakthroughs.
Donation Highlights
In October 2023, thanks to the generous Joyce Family Foundation a 1.5-million-dollar Cardiac Nursing Bursary Program was established. This transformational fund will help the next generation of cardiac nurses to learn and excel in the latest advancements of cardiovascular care and research.
Events + fundraising
FEBRUARY IS HEART MONTH
Heart Month is an annual opportunity for individuals, groups, and businesses to raise funds and awareness for the Heart Institute while promoting the benefits of cardiovascular health. We are grateful to have the support of over 100 community initiatives in February. In 2023, our community raised over 1.2 million dollars, smashing past records thanks to our incredible match sponsors and donors. februaryisheartmonth.ca
LIGHT THE TOWN RED
This February the Light the Town Red initiative returns and raises profile and support for heart health across the Nation’s capitol. Join organizations, families, and individuals as they recognize the importance of the Heart Institute’s work by lighting up their windows, homes, and businesses red across the city. #lightthetownred
JUMP IN™ FOR WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH
Back for its fourth year, the Foundation’s 30-day physical activity challenge supports awareness, research, education, and advocacy of women’s heart health nationally. Since 2020, over 6,200 participants have joined from Canada and beyond. The campaign has raised over $800,000, and six million minutes of physical activity. jumpinnow.ca
THE ANNUAL WILBERT KEON MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Each summer, we are delighted to offer our popular sold-out golf event to the Ottawa community, named in honour of our co-founder Dr. Wilbert Keon. In 2024, our golf tournament will be held once again at the prestigious Royal Ottawa Golf Club. wilbertkeonmemorialgolftournament.ca
Get in touch:
40 Ruskin St.
Ottawa, ON
K1Y 4W
foundation@ottawaheart.ca
foundation.ottawaheart.ca
Year founded: 1994
Total revenue for last fiscal year: $14.2M
Facebook: @HeartInstituteFoundation
Instagram: @heartinstitutefoundation
Linkedin: @the-university-of-ottawa-heart-institute-foundation
Twitter: @HeartFDN
Lianne Laing, V.P., Philanthropy, UOHI, President, Foundation
Elizabeth Roscoe, Chair, Board of Directors
BOARD MEMBERS
- Grant Jameson, Vice Chair
- Ian Sterling, Treasurer
- Ken Jennings, Secretary
- Dr. Thierry Mesana, UOHI President & CEO
- Keira Torkko, Chair, OHIRC Board of Directors
- Paul LaBarge C.M.
- Paul Bodnoff
- Marc-Andre Groulx
- James Annis
- Gail Kaneb
- Jake Levinson
- Lucas Matheson
- Leslie Mise
- Muneeba Omar
- Nick Pantieras
- Deneen Perrin
- Jean Spicer
- Natalie Tommy
- Erin Zipes
- Colin Zappia
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
Bequests: 19%
Special Events: 7%
Donations: 74%
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is the primary cardiac referral
GEOGRAPHIC REGION OF FOCUS
centre for Eastern Ontario and several other areas across Canada, including the Province of Newfoundland and the
Territory of Nunavut. It also offers satellite clinics and outreach programs throughout the Ottawa Valley.
Residing at the Institute, you will find The Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre, dedicated to the research of women’s cardiovascular health, a world-class research facility and Data Science Centre that harnesses the latest technological advancements to find tomorrow’s treatments.
