Lethbridge, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – A fundraiser organized by Crop Aid Nutrition has raised almost $78,000 for expanded cardiac care at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.

About 75 people attended the Heart of Harvest event on Oct. 15, raising money for the Bringing Hearts Home campaign through live and silent auctions and a pledge drive.

The total included a $10,000 contribution from Crop Aid Nutrition and an anonymous donation of $30,000.

The event was inspired by Walter Van Ee, Crop Aid Nutrition’s district manager, whose family travelled repeatedly to larger centres for specialized care after his infant daughter developed heart complications 38 years ago. She died at seven months old.

Van Ee said the experience shaped his belief in the importance of making specialized cardiac care available closer to home.

“This cause is deeply personal to me. My family has been affected by heart issues for generations, and I know what it means to travel hours for specialized care,” said Van Ee.

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“Seeing this community come together and raise nearly $78,000 gives me hope that more Southern Alberta families will get the care they need closer to home.”

Representatives from the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation attended the fundraiser to discuss the campaign and the need to expand cardiac care in Southern Alberta.

When attendees were asked whether they or someone close to them had been affected by heart issues, approximately 90 percent raised their hands.

Crop Aid Nutrition Operations Manager Darren Sander said the company wanted to give back to the agricultural communities that had welcomed its team since it began serving the area about a year ago.

The company thanked the donors, sponsors, businesses, volunteers and attendees who helped make the fundraiser possible.