Victoria Heart House

07/01/2025

03/06/2025

https://www.timescolonist.com/islander/cardiac-rehab-reduces-deaths-and-health-care-costs-so-why-do-patients-have-to-pay-for-it-10292372

While heart patients used to be able to access a 12-week cardio rehab program for free in some Island community centres, many now have to pay up to $500.

02/20/2025

Friday February 14, 2025 | SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends

A $5,000 donation from the First Open Heart Society of BC to the District of Saanich is cause for celebration on Valentine’s Day!
The funds will ensure the Take Heart program at Saanich Commonwealth Place (SCP) can continue offering important services to patients in the community, the District said in a news release today.

“We are grateful for the society’s support for this vital program for people in our community with cardiac or chronic conditions,” says Lisa Banks, Health Services Programmer with the District of Saanich.
“Thanks to this community partnership, more people can take steps to improve their health and quality of life,” says Banks.

Take Heart is a 12-week supervised exercise program benefiting those who have had a heart event, or other risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, and lung/kidney disease. SCP is one of three local locations offering the program.

“When someone has experienced a heart event or may be at risk of one, they need support to manage their heart health to the best of their ability. That’s where the Take Heart program comes in,” says Dr. Victor Aldrete, Vice President of the First Open Heart Society of B.C.

We’re pleased to lend our support to this worthy program, and very happy to see it continue in Saanich.” Saanich was the inaugural site for the Take Heart program 23 years ago, which was developed in partnership with Island Health.

Dr. Victor Aldrete, Vice President of the First Open Heart Society of B.C., presents a $5,000 donation to the Take Heart Program at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Joining him are Dawson Nemeth, who had open heart surgery as an infant at BC Children’s Hospital and whose family received support from the First Open Heart Society; Lisa Banks, Health Services Programmer with the District of Saanich; and Derek Cooze, board member with the B.C. First Open Heart Society. (District of Saanich).

02/20/2025

https://islandsocialtrends.ca/saanich-celebrates-heart-health-donation-on-valentines-day/

Saanich celebrates heart health donation on Valentine's Day

02/18/2025

HAVE YOU HAD OPEN HEART SURGERY and live in the Victoria area
The First Open Heart Society is seeking past cardiac patients to visit with current patients undergoing surgery to offer support and encouragement. Training will be provided. A criminal record check (paid by the Society) will be required along with a required volunteer course through Island Health. Please contact the First Open Heart Society of BC at 250-595-2123 or email: admin@fohs.ca for more information.

12/03/2024

Giving Tuesday

Supporting Vancouver Island residents requiring cardivascular medical intervention at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, B.C.

11/28/2024

Hello Everyone,
For anyone wishing to renew their membership or make a donation to the First Open Heart Society of BC or the Victoria Heart House, this can be done safely online through the First Open Heart Society Website below at:

If you are making a Donation in Memory, please identify the person in ‘add special instructions to the seller’ section on the PayPal page.

07/31/2024

HAVE YOU HAD OPEN HEART SURGERY?
The First Open Heart Society is seeking past cardiac patients to visit with current patients undergoing surgery to offer support and encouragement. Training will be provided.
A criminal record check will be required along with a required volunteer course through Island Health.
Please contact the First Open Heart Society of BC at 250-595-2123 or email: admin@fohs.bc.ca for more information.

04/30/2024

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/nov/14/the-experts-cardiologists-on-20-simple-successful-steps-to-a-healthy-heart

Our hearts are muscles and need proper fuel and rest. Here is how to keep yours on top form – from avoiding co***ne to watching your cholesterol

04/08/2024

Carry Aspirin, Save A Life

02/13/2024

Our spring meeting is less than a month away! Join us March 6th at the Mary Winspear Centre! Doors will open at 6 pm for mingling, a glass of wine or cup of coffee. The meeting starts at 7 pm.
We are very excited to hear from Victoria Heart House and how our donation has helped them out.
There is still time to nominate a charity! Go to https://www.100womensaanichpeninsula.com/charities/ and fill out the simple form.
A special thank you to our sponsors, Rene Watt, Judy Smith, Jinny Hambly, Holy Cow Communication Design and National Bank Financial Wealth. And thank you all for being one of 100+ Women Who Care Saanich Peninsula and making such a difference in our community!