$1,100,000 for cardiovascular health thanks to the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation’s Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs

September 9, 2022
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The 22nd edition of the Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs kicked off the fall fundraising season at Windsor Station yesterday. More than 500 people from the Montreal business community gathered for this flagship event of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF), which raised $1,100,000 for cardiovascular health.

Guests enjoyed a gourmet Mediterranean-inspired meal and an exclusive performance by Cirque du Soleil in an art deco setting.

Jacques Goulet, Outstanding Philanthropist

Jacques Goulet, President of Sun Life Canada and Board member of MHIF, was honoured for his generous contribution to building a better world.

“An outstanding philanthropist, Jacques Goulet has been an important agent of change and an ally of the Foundation for many years,” says Daniel Lamarre, Chairman of the MHIF’s Board of Directors. “Thanks to his invaluable support as one of the Sun Life Diabetes Prevention Clinic founders at the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI), we can boast the only multidisciplinary type 2 diabetes prevention program in Canada. This tribute is our way of recognizing him.

“Type 2 diabetes affects nearly one in three Canadians. People with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Prevention is important, which is why I have been active with the MHIF for several years. The funds raised last night will help support positive lifestyle changes so patients can live longer, healthier lives,” said Jacques Goulet, President of Sun Life Canada.

Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Incidents by Half by 2030

With 9 out of 10 Canadians over the age of 20 having at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the MHI and its Foundation have set a goal of reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease by half by 2030. By investing generous donations in cutting-edge fields and through scientific research, active prevention, and precision medicine, they aim to reverse the trend.

The Montreal Heart Institute Foundation thanks the Platinum Partners of the Grand Bal des Vins-Cœurs, Power Corporation of Canada and Sun Life, as well as all its collaborators and donors.

About the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation

Created in 1977, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation raises and manages funds to support the Institute’s innovative and priority projects and fight cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the world. Its philanthropic events and donors’ contributions have enabled this cardiovascular health leader to become the country’s largest cardiac research centre. Over the years, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation has raised more than $350 million in donations. Its 27,822 donors have made it possible to make important discoveries and support the Institute’s specialists, professionals, and researchers to provide state-of-the-art care to tens of thousands of patients in Quebec.

About the Montreal Heart Institute

Founded in 1954, the Montreal Heart Institute constantly strives for the highest standards of excellence in the cardiovascular field through its leadership in clinical and fundamental research, ultra-specialized care, professional training, and prevention. It is home to Canada’s largest cardiology research centre, cardiovascular prevention centre, and cardiovascular genetics centre. The Institute is affiliated with the Université de Montréal and has more than 2,000 employees, including 245 physicians and more than 85 researchers.

From left to right: Alain Gignac, Jacques Goulet, Daniel Lamarre, Mélanie La Couture and Pierre Anctil