Mike Barrett
Polo for Heart directs funds to Southlake’s cardiac program
Health
October 10, 2008 04:07 PM
beingwell magazine Fall 2008
By: Patrick Mangion
Twenty-nine years have passed since the first charity polo match was played in York Region and the sport of kings has shown it still has a heart of gold.
To date, Polo for Heart has raised more than $4 million for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and now Southlake Regional Health Centre’s cardiac program has been added to the list.
This year’s event, June 22 to 24, raised $205,000 which will be split evenly between the hospital and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, says Karen White, manager of the Toronto Polo Club.
It’s the first time funds raised from the event will go to Southlake, in what is expected to be the beginning of a much longer relationship.
“What’s great about Southlake is how they’re so involved in the community. They’re already keen to be involved in planning for next year’s event,” says Ms White.
The timing fits perfectly with Southlake’s rapid expansion on many fronts, including its cardiac program — now the fourth largest in Ontario.
Since the launch of the regional cardiac care program in 2003, Southlake has established and maintained the highest level of advanced cardiac services offered anywhere in the country.
An aging population in Southlake’s service area will create a 35 per cent increase in demand for cardiac service at the hospital during the next 10 years.
“We are so grateful to Polo for Heart for choosing Southlake’s regional cardiac program as a recipient for these funds,” says Neila Poscente, president and CEO of the Southlake Foundation. “The funds raised help to build advanced cardiac services right here in our community to serve thousands of patients and their families. With the support of Polo for Heart, we can count on being able to continue to evolve the regional cardiac program to meet the needs of this growing region.”
Top flight polo, known for its fierce competitiveness and graceful play, is an exhilarating spectator sport that has thrilled crowds at the Gormley Polo Centre.
This year’s event included live entertainment, skydivers, a children’s village and a silent auction.
The annual three-day event is held in June and draws elite competitors from local polo as well as countries such as Argentina, France and Mexico.
With two matches a day, the event draws a diverse cross-section of fans from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
Polo for Heart will celebrate its 30th anniversary next June. The event’s founder, the late Col. Michael Sifton, organized the inaugural event at the Toronto Polo Club in 1979. It attracted about 600 people and raised $25,000.
SAVE THE DATE
JUNE 19, 20, 21, 2009
Support Southlake Regional
Health Centre at
2009 Polo for Heart
For more information
call 416-432-9735
or visit
www.poloforheart.org.