– CP sets a target of $1M to be raised over the summer for pediatric cardiac research and care –
Coquitlam, BC. Canadian Pacific (CP) and Golf Canada today announced that BC Children’s Hospital has been chosen as the charity partner for the 2015 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open (CPWO). The CPWO will see the top LPGA Tour players in the world compete for the national title at the Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam from August 20-23, 2015.
Funds raised will be dedicated to the pediatric cardiology research program for BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) Heart Centre. Last year alone, BC Children’s cardiac surgeons performed 337 heart procedures, including 201 open heart surgeries.
“We are seeing incredible work being done in the area of pediatric cardiac care and research at BC Children’s Heart Centre,” said Canadian Pacific CEO E. Hunter Harrison. “By leveraging our CP Has Heart community program and the generosity of our employees, golf fans and supporters of the hospital, we have set a $1,000,000 fundraising target that I know we’ll achieve – but let’s work together to exceed it.”
“We are delighted to be the official tournament charity for the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open,” said Teri Nicholas, president and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “CP’s support for our pediatric cardiology treatment and research programs will ensure that children with heart disease, whether they are from BC, the Yukon or elsewhere in Western Canada, will always receive outstanding care and benefit from the latest research when they turn to BC Children’s Hospital for help.”
CP announced that, beginning today, it will match all online donations made to BCCH until the end of the CPWO tournament. Other fundraising initiatives will involve LPGA Tour players, club members and fans through CP’s Birdies for Heart challenge, something LPGA athletes, including CP ambassador Lorie Kane, embraced at the 2014 CPWO.
“CP does a tremendous job of creating an exciting atmosphere over the week and certainly a huge draw for players and spectators alike is the Birdies for Heart Challenge on the 17th hole,” said LPGA Tour player Lorie Kane. “Feeling the energy from the CP Fan Zone when you’re standing on the tee gives you even more incentive to play the hole well and get a birdie, especially knowing you are directly contributing to the funds available for helping sick children.”
Golf fans attending the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open can upgrade their general admission tickets for the CP Fan Zone, which includes premium seating, healthy treats, player meet and greets and giveaways. Proceeds from CP Fan Zone tickets will go directly to BCCH and CP has also pledged to match funds from all Fan Zone ticket sales as part of its commitment.
CP is also extending its fundraising efforts off the course and into the community to promote the importance of keeping fit. The railroad will also match all donations made to Grouse Mountain’s annual fundraiser Grind for Kids which already benefits BC Children’s Heart Centre.
“Canada’s National Women’s Open Golf Championship is about making this great sport, and the professionals who play it, accessible to the host communities and leaving a legacy,” says Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada. “CP is a tremendous partner, and they continue to show their heart and commitment to the communities we play in. We are looking forward to a great week in Vancouver, a market that has always supported golf. The Vancouver Golf Club is an outstanding course and will provide a stiff test to the best golfers in the world. ”
ABOUT CP HAS HEART
At CP, we know that a railroad may serve as the arteries of a nation, but at its heart is community. That’s why, through CP Has Heart, we’ve already contributed more than two million dollars to help improve the heart health of men, women and children across North America. And along the way, we’re showing heart whenever we can. Find out more on www.cpr.ca or @CPhasHeart.
ABOUT CANADIAN PACIFIC
Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit www.cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.
ABOUT BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & BC CHILDREN’S HEART CENTRE
BC Children’s Hospital is the province’s only full-service acute-care hospital dedicated to serving close to one million children living in BC and the Yukon. BC Children’s Heart Centre is part of BC Children’s Hospital and provides leadership and excellence in the care of infants and children with congenital and acquired heart disease. This mandate extends from the fetus to early adulthood. A multi-disciplinary team composed of experts in cardiology, cardiac surgery, critical care, anesthesia, nursing, and various allied health fields work together to provide world-class family-centered care to children. Children’s Heart Centre is one of two surgical centres in the Western Canadian Congenital Heart Network, providing care to the four Western Canadian provinces. Each year Children’s Heart Centre performs more than 200 pediatric cardiac operations and another 150 minimally invasive procedures in the hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab. The program is responsible for the training medical students, resident doctors and specialists in the field of pediatric cardiology.
Funds raised by BC Children’s Hospital Foundation are used to support BC Children’s Hospital, its research institute and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children. For more information visit www.bcchf.ca and follow @BCCHF on Twitter.
ABOUT THE 2015 CANADIAN PACIFIC WOMEN’S OPEN
The stars of the LPGA Tour will challenge for the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open from August 17-23 at The Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam, B.C.. The Canadian Pacific Women’s Open, Canada’s National Women’s Open Golf Championship, is proudly sponsored by Canadian Pacific, RBC, WestJet, Molson Canadian 67, TaylorMade adidas Golf, TY KU, Santa Carolina Wines, Coke and CVS Controls LTD. For information on volunteer opportunities, tickets or corporate hospitality, visit www.CPwomensopen.com, or call 1-866-571-5742.
GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.
Golf Canada is the National Sports Organization and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Stephen Forgacs
Director Communications
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
(p) 604-875-2338
(c) 604-719-4381
(e) sforgacs@bcchf.ca
Breanne Feigel
Director Public Affairs
Canadian Pacific
(p) 403-589-6949
(e) breanne_feigel@cpr.ca
Dan Pino
Director, Corporate Communications
Golf Canada
(p) 1-800-263-0009 ext. 406
(c) 416-434-5525
(e) dpino@golfcanada.ca