Making Our Mark- Why I Am So Proud To Call Ottawa Home

A message from Lianne Laing,

President, Foundation, V.P. Philanthropy, UOHI

Heart Foundation,
Posted on April 8, 2025

I have always been super proud to be Canadian and even more so to have been born and raised here in Ottawa.

Sandra Oh was my “head girl” when I attended Sir Robert Borden High School, and “ironically” Alannis Morissette was just down the street writing the album Jagged Little Pill. I was eating beavertails in the ByWard Market long before they franchised to 140 locations worldwide, and I still have fond memories of rollerblading down the 416 Highway while it was being paved. I am Ottawa homegrown to the core.

I recently attended the book launch for Ottawa Made, written by Caroline Phillips and Sam Laprade, two community leaders admired and recognized for their community and philanthropic impact. The book celebrates everything from product inventions to A-list celebrities who call Ottawa home. The book has impressive backstories about the creation of the Insta-pot, electric wheelchair, walkie-talkie, and even the sewing of the first Canadian Flag. There are too many stories to name here, but congrats again, to Sam and Caroline for giving us this Ottawa gem.

It was like no other book launch I have ever attended. Even Mayor Mark Sutcliffe joked that he never had a band, a beaver tail truck and hundreds of well-wishers at his book launches (plural).

I love boasting about Ottawa success stories, so in addition to the book Ottawa Made, I am also eager to share several media stories about our world-renowned cardiac surgeon, Dr. Marc Ruel, and his decision to forgo a move to the US and stay here at the Heart Institute.

Top heart surgeon staying in Ottawa – CTVNews

UCSF Loses Top Heart Surgeon Over Trump’s Hostility Toward Canada | KQED

Trump threats open ‘floodgate’ of inquiries from U.S. physicians about moving north | CBC News

With pride and enthusiasm, we are excited to enhance Dr. Ruel’s work in the minimally invasive surgical program and remain the destination for specialized cardiac surgeons to learn from one of the world’s best. I should also mention that late last week, Dr. Ruel received his record-breaking 200^th “Heart of Gold” pin presented by long time donors John & Angela Herzog. What a beautiful honour and recognition from people whose lives he has touched.

I also hope that Ottawa will soon be home to the world’s largest charity pickleball tournament. We are already well on our way as our Ottawa Pickleball Classic heads into its 3^rd year. It sold out in record time, even with additional teams and categories added to the program this year. We are excited to welcome over 100 teams to the EY Centre on May 4^th. A big shoutout to our title sponsor, CHG Meridian Canada, for believing in this event and to all our new sponsors and collaborators who are joining in. A special thank you to Advanced Mortgage Investment Corporation, our reception sponsor, for their support. If you couldn’t secure a spot, we would still love for you to come out and enjoy the atmosphere, cheer on your family and friends and, of course, support the Ottawa Heart Institute.

Why not wear some of your new pickleball merchandise or any of our fun, colourful and branded #givewithheart gear? Put your order in now and have it ready for the event.

BUY YOUR #GIVEWITHHEART GEAR

Next, we go from athletic attire to glam and glitz for the annual Gold Plate Dinner hosted this year at the Infinity Convention Centre. The dazzling night, co-chaired by Greek Community leaders Nick Pantieras and Aik Aliferis, will see some of the proceeds benefit the Ottawa Heart Institute. This is a major fundraiser for the Hellenic community, with over 650 guests expected to attend, and we are grateful that they have included us in their big night. Dymon Storage is their major sponsor, and as we just wrapped up our “Light The Capital Red” campaign, you know we are big fans!

Our focus then shifts to supporting our runners and walkers taking part in the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, May 24^th and 25^th under “Team Heart.” We are so proud of our team, as many are past patients who use this training as part of their rehabilitation and shift into a heathier lifestyle.

One final note before I sign off. I often share updates about my family, mostly about my daughters, but something very cool happened this weekend and I wanted to share it here. My husband Tony Harris is a professional sports artist and was commissioned by the NHL to paint Alex Ovechkin to commemorate him becoming the all-time leading NHL goal scorer surpassing Wayne Gretsky. Some of you may have seen the goal and the broadcast this past Sunday. It was pretty cool to hear Tony’s name mentioned at center ice for such a historic moment in sports. It was a little chaotic in my household these last few weeks as Tony frantically tried to keep pace with Alex’s goal count. Ovechkin was scoring faster than Tony could paint. There was a huge relief when Tony shipped the painting to Washington with a few goals remaining.

I am super grateful that the snow has melted, (despite waking up this morning to it) and that spring has finally arrived despite the mud and dirt in the streets. Goodbye, hibernation!

There is much to do and celebrate here with our neighbours, friends, brands, products and businesses. I am cheering us all on. Go Canada, Go!

With Love,

Lianne