The Our Hearts at Home Cardiovascular Campaign is helping bring cardiac surgery to Thunder Bay so patients no longer have to travel far from home for this care. One family that understands close to home cardiac care is the Witiluk family.
Today, they teamed up with the Health Sciences Foundation to launch the ever-popular Save a Heart Raffle. All funds raised will go to support the development of a cardiovascular surgery program at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, to keep our hearts at home.
This year’s raffle will be known as the Save a Heart Side by Side Raffle. The prize is a Polaris RZR900 Trail Premium Side by Side, valued at $27,566, which has been generously donated outright by J&J Sports.
Jeff Witiluk, Dealer Principal of J&J Sports, said, “Our family is so proud to be a part of this raffle knowing the impact the funds will have for our community. No one should have to travel out of town for life-saving cardiac surgery and we’re thrilled that we can contribute to raising the much-needed funds to bring cardiovascular surgery closer to home.”
Added Witiluk, “Our community is the real winner in this raffle, but I also can’t wait to see who takes home the brand new Polaris RZR900 Side By Side. They’ll be driving away in a unit that has comfortable seating for two, LED headlights and accents and a great combination of power, which is perfect for those who love the outdoors year round.”
Adam Vinet, Vice President, Patient Experience and Chief Nursing Executive, Regional Vice President, Regional Cancer Care at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, attended the launch of this year’s raffle. He knows how much of an impact the funds raised will have.
“Currently, when patients need coronary bypass or other procedures, they must travel far from home to access this critical care,” said Vinet “We need local access to cardiac surgery for our patients to have timely access to care. Our plan for these new surgical services is in place, and with your help, we are making this a reality.”
“Knowing how much of an impact this raffle will have and hearing about this incredible prize, I am confident that tickets are going to sell themselves,” said Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the Health Sciences Foundation. “And keep our hearts at home.”
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Tickets for the Save a Heart Side By Side Raffle are on sale now. They are $20 each, 3 for $50, or 10 for $100 and may be purchased at:
- J&J Sports, 939 Tungsten Street
- Thunder Bay Mitsubishi, 872 Copper Crescent
- Balmoral Park Acura, 868 Copper Crescent
- Health Sciences Foundation Donation Office (lobby of Hospital)
The draw date is April 1, 2024. Lottery license #861391.