Generosity at Spruce Meadows fuels efforts to improve women’s health at Libin Cardiovascular Institute

As the world’s top equestrians prepare to showcase their skill and precision at the prestigious CPKC International Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows on Sept. 8, another group will be rallying behind them with enthusiasm.

For the fifth year running, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and CPKC’s Clear Rounds for Heart, a part of the CPKC Has Heart community investment program, are teaming up with a shared goal of turning exceptional athletic performance into life-saving contributions to cardiovascular research.

• Image above: A rider clears a jump during CPKC’s Clear Rounds for Heart event, held annually at Spruce Meadows. Once again, proceeds from this event will go to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute.

Every clear round at CPKC’s International Grand Prix will bring hope to those battling heart disease, as  $10,000 will be donated to support the Institute's vital work.

Libin director Paul Fedak is grateful for CPKC’s continued support of the Institute, whose members are transforming cardiovascular care in southern Alberta through their involvement in innovative cardiovascular research, education and clinical care.

“We are grateful to CPKC for helping us to advance our institute’s mission,” says Dr. Fedak, MD, PhD. “This event is a fun way to increase awareness about cardiovascular health and support research and clinical care right here in Calgary. CPKC's dedication to our community is truly outstanding.”

The CPKC’s Clear Rounds for Heart initiative has raised almost $500,000 and supported numerous projects including the purchase of specialized imaging equipment and the Institute’s Precision Medicine Initiative.

This year, proceeds will support the institute’s Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative (WCHI), which has a mission to save women's lives by preventing and treating cardiovascular disease. It’s a critical goal because women and men differ when it comes to their cardiovascular health. 

“We are excited about the work underway within the WCHI, including a new clinic focused on treating women at risk or with heart disease,” says WCHI Director Dr. Roopinder Sandhu, BSc'98, MD. “Together, we can transform women’s heart health across their lifetime.” 

Attendees of all ages at the Masters event at Spruce Meadows from Sept. 4-8 will also have the chance to participate in family-friendly educational activities aimed at improving cardiovascular health knowledge, all while raising money for the Institute. CPKC will donate $20 for each participant.

Cardiovascular disease ranks as the leading cause of premature death globally, impacting millions of men and women. Research shows that 80 per cent of these deaths are preventable through empowering people to adopt healthy lifestyles.