Over my lifetime, I have spent more hours than I can count in musty, sweat-soaked locker rooms and dressing rooms. My girls never played hockey, ringette or skated so I never found myself living in a rink as a parent, but I spent more than my fair share of time in aromatically-challenged spaces during my ten plus years of covering sports for CTV. Granted, the Ottawa Senators dressing room was in a league of its own, with only one rule that you couldn’t step on the logo planted in the middle of the dressing room. Prior to the renovations at Lansdowne, and back in my day, the “Renegades” were still playing out of a rundown stadium. Damp towels, stale air, and big dreams. Recently however, I stepped into a dressing room filled with an energy I haven’t felt before. Within the depths of TD Place, I met with the new Ottawa Rapids professional soccer team. Surrounded by a bold blue and freshly painted wall, clean carpets, and air freshener, I was greeted by an enthusiastic group of professional athletes. I did not have my camera and microphone and there was no media scrum to take part in, but rather the opportunity to speak with the players about an exciting new collaboration. This opportunity was made possible by David Renfroe, one of their team owners and a heart institute patient. The right sleeve of their uniforms will now have the logo of the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre which is proudly supported by the Institute. I wanted them to be proud of the community support as well as educated and informed about the name on their jersey and why it’s important to know what it represents. We look forward to sharing some exciting new initiatives with this partnership throughout the remainder of the season and as JUMP IN™ for Women’s Heart Health gets underway in September- so stay tuned!
Congratulations once again to everyone who participated in Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend! Team Heart raised over $37,000 thanks to the incredible efforts of so many who fundraised for the event. We saw amazing commitment from everyone this year. A special shout-out to Giulia Rhodes, who ran her first marathon in memory of Lino Bassi, and raised over $10,000. Your accomplishments are something to be proud of, and we are so grateful you chose to run in support of the Heart Institute.
This Father’s Day will mark 23 years without having a chance to celebrate my dad. Although a massive heart attack took him from me at the age of 57, I can honestly say that the work I get to do every day at the Heart Institute brings me closer to him. I am connected to the work and feel immense pride when I know another family is experiencing a different outcome because of the work of the Institute. Donor dollars are helping to make this happen and I know my dad would be very proud. A friend noted that my dad will always remain young. And when my husband Tony surpassed 57, it was a cruel reminder of just how young my dad was. While rummaging through the storage room, during a recent declutter I came across a picture I hadn’t seen in decades. I shared it on my Instagram last week with another golf ball teed up for my dad.
Speaking of Father’s Day, we are thrilled to announce that Waterdon Construction will be matching donations once again. Russell and Linda Grass and their group of companies have been wonderful champions for the Institute, and we are very grateful. What a great way to amplify your impact.
The Foundation team is incredibly busy dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s for final details of our Wilbert Keon Memorial Golf Tournament set for Monday June 16th at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club. A big thank you to ServiceMaster who is back as our title sponsor. It’s shaping up to be a fast-paced, busy day on the course with lots of hidden treats and treasures along the way.
We won’t be serving churros on the course, but you will never guess how a churro is making its way into this update. Hint! Check out this very cool article “How a Churro Led to a Scientific Breakthrough”.
I hope this update wasn’t too long, but with so many exciting initiatives on the horizon we are eager to share. Plus, how impressed are you that I haven’t mentioned the weather. I am just grateful that cold and rainy May is behind us. 😊
Thank you for being part of this journey—your support fuels every step forward, and together, we continue to create impact and hope.
Bring on summer!
Much love always,
Lianne
