*above photo – Westcorp employees presenting GoodHearts president Jackie Foord with a cheque for $4000 raised from various employee events.
It is not often that a community partnership results in significant benefits for both parties. Westcorp is fortunate to have such a partnership with a very deserving organization, the GoodHearts Transplant Foundation. Established in 2006 by Silvio Dobri, the GoodHearts Foundation is a registered charity that provides housing and financial aid to transplant patients being treated at the University of Alberta Hospital, Canada’s biggest and busiest organ transplant centre. Receiving a transplant is stressful enough for both the patient and the patient’s family, but it can be a time of financial hardship for the families as well. A large number of recipients travel from outside of the Edmonton area for their transplants and since they are required to be close to the hospital for their care, finding a place to stay can be very costly. That is where Galen Lofts, a Westcorp property, comes in. The Galen Lofts are furnished suites situated right across the street from the University Hospital. The lofts are perfectly located for patients needing care at the UofA. The proximity to the hospital, the LRT station and many neighbourhood amenities is ideal for both the transplant patients and their families.
Through Westcorp’s property management team, three fully furnished loft suites are available for rent to the GoodHearts Foundation. Patients are provided with the suites at a subsidized rate and the foundation makes all of the arrangements for the patient’s arrival. The partnership doesn’t end there though. The Westcorp staff not only provide the suite, but also the hospitality and care that enhance the experience of the patients while they are staying there. Westcorp staff get to know the patients and oftentimes, take a personal interest in their care and well-being, assisting them with move in and move out of the suite.
Jackie Foord, President of the GoodHearts Transplant Foundation, says “The relationship between GoodHearts and Westcorp is very special. There are many examples of corporations that help charities do good things, but in this case, Westcorp is an integral and engaged partner in our work. We couldn’t be happier with, or more proud of, our relationship with Westcorp. It is our hope that everyone at Westcorp understands that they are truly the reason why GoodHearts can offer transplant patients a safe, affordable and convenient place to live.”
Westcorp employees across the company also contribute monetary donations to GoodHearts through silent auctions and other events held throughout the year. Westcorp is proud to sponsor such a worthwhile organization!