News Release

November 19, 2008

Trillium Health Centre Kicks Off 88-Day “I Heart Hazel” Community Challenge

Community challenged to show some heart for Mayor Hazel McCallion and support cardiac care in the lead up to the Mayor’s 88th birthday on February 14, 2009

Mississauga/West Toronto, ON – Trillium Health Centre Foundation today – 88 days before Valentine’s Day – issued a challenge to the communities of Mississauga, West Toronto and the surrounding area:  Show how much heart you have for Mayor Hazel McCallion by donating to the recently-named Hazel McCallion Centre for Heart Health at the Trillium Health Centre. 

On February 14, 2009, Mayor Hazel McCallion will turn 88 years young and Trillium Health Centre Foundation aims to have raised $15 million for the Hazel McCallion Centre for Heart Health in time for the Mayor’s birthday festivities.

“Mayor McCallion has been at the heart of this community for more than 30 years and a key supporter of Trillium,” said Kim Warburton, chair, Trillium Health Centre Foundation.  We are delighted that our Centre for Heart Health is named in her honour.  Making a donation to the Centre in advance of the Mayor’s birthday on February 14 is a wonderful way to pay tribute to an individual who has worked tirelessly for this community and beyond.”

Eight community leaders and corporations, the “cardiac champions” have already stepped up and pledged to donate half of the $15 million campaign goal.  These cardiac champions will match dollar-for-dollar the amount donated by the community during this campaign.

“We are grateful for donations in any amount, but we encourage individuals, family, friends and colleagues to make it clear that theirs is an ‘I Heart Hazel’ donation in honour of the Mayor’s 88th birthday by giving in a multiple of eight – such as $88, $888 or $8,888,” added Warburton.

Heart disease kills more Canadians than any other disease.  The Hazel McCallion Centre for Heart Health is one of Canada’s busiest and most advanced cardiac care centres providing more than one million residents of Mississauga, West Toronto and the surrounding area with access to advanced cardiac services and care within their community.

“We’re counting on the community we serve to help us maintain our status as a recognized leader in advanced cardiac care, including diagnostics, cardiology, cardiac surgery and rehabilitation,” said Janet Davidson, O.C., president and CEO, Trillium Health Centre. “When you or a loved one requires lifesaving cardiac care, it is important that it is delivered quickly within minutes of home or work, by the best clinical staff, using the latest technologies.”

In addition to providing support for ongoing prevention and care initiatives, the campaign proceeds will be used to fund highly-specialized catheterization and electrophysiology laboratories, which will allow high-risk patients to be treated onsite without delay.  The campaign will also fund sophisticated cardiac equipment and imaging technologies to diagnose complex heart disease early and accurately.
Those interested in making a donation or learning more should visit www.ihearthazel.com.  Donations can also be arranged by contacting the Trillium Health Centre Foundation at
905.848.7575. 

About Trillium Health Centre
Trillium Health Centre is one of Canada’s largest community hospitals with regional programs in cardiac, stroke, neurosurgery, orthopaedic, and sexual assault and domestic violence services. Housing a model ambulatory care centre and the largest free standing day surgery centre in North America, Trillium serves more than one million residents in Peel and West Toronto and from other communities across Ontario. With the continued support of the Trillium Health Centre Foundation, the hospital’s fundraising arm, the two-site facility is attracting international attention for its innovative approach to providing health care services and has received numerous national awards for quality and innovation. For more information, visit www.trilliumhealthcentre.org.

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Media Contact:

For more information, please contact Deborah Trouten at 416.485.2412 or 416.574.8031; Lisa Francis at 416.573.1973; or Larry Roberts, Media Relations Consultant, Trillium Health Centre, at 905.848.7580 ext. 3832.

Media Contacts

For all media enquiries, please call Public Relations at 905-848-7580 ext. 3832.