An extraordinary gift: the Saputo family donates $10 million to the Montreal Heart Institute for prevention

MONTREAL, Sept. 8, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Thanks to this exceptional gift from the Saputo family, the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) will be able to pursue its investments in prevention and will proceed with a major expansion, planned to begin in the fall of 2016. "This significant donation will allow the Institute to once again confirm its position as a leader in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. We are extremely grateful and we want to sincerely thank them for this generous act," said Dr. Denis Roy, Chief Executive Officer of the MHI.

"This donation from the Saputo family represents a historic commitment to the prevention of cardiovascular disease in Quebec. This gift will make a world of difference for our institute," added Dr. Martin Juneau, Director of Prevention for the MHI. This donation will, among other things, allow the Institute to build multipurpose rooms in order to offer a wider variety of classes and to provide education on prevention. Moreover, part of this amount will be invested in the Chair in Cardiovascular Health and Prevention of Cognitive Disorders created at Université de Montréal for the Montreal Heart Institute.

Giving back to the community is a priority for the Saputo family. In fact, they are committed to contributing to the welfare of society by promoting healthy lifestyle habits through a balanced diet and physical exercise.

Lino A. Saputo, Jr. has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation since 2015. On September 8, during the 16^th edition of the Grand Bal des Vins-Coeurs, a special tribute was paid to the Saputo family in recognition of how important their donation is to the Institute and to the community. This year, the Grand Bal des Vins-Coeurs took place in the Cirque du Soleil's studios for the first time. "We have launched a new fundraising campaign under the theme Prevent, Take act, and Get well and this incredible donation from the Saputo family will greatly contribute to the success of this campaign. I am extremely grateful to them," said Henri-Paul Rousseau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the MHI Foundation.

About the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation

The mission of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation is to raise and administer funds to support the Institute's priority and innovative projects and help its fight against cardiovascular disease, the number-one cause of death worldwide. Since its creation in 1977, the Foundation has donated nearly $218 million to the Montreal Heart Institute.

About the Montreal Heart Institute

Founded in 1954 by Dr. Paul David, the Montreal Heart Institute constantly aims for the highest standards of excellence in the cardiovascular field through its leadership in clinical and basic research, ultra-specialized care, professional training, and prevention. It is part of the broad network of health excellence made up of Université de Montréal and its affiliated institutions. According to Research Infosource, the Montreal Heart Institute has been ranked the number one research hospital in Canada for research intensity and funding per researcher.

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SOURCE Montreal Heart Institute Foundation

Image with caption: "Melanie La Couture, directrice général de la Fondation de l'ICM; Dr Denis Roy, président-directeur général de l'ICM; Joey et Carmie Saputo, Mirella et Lino Saputo ainsi que Amelia et Lino A. Saputo et Henri-Paul Rousseau, président du conseil d'administration de la Fondation de l'ICM. (CNW Group/Montreal Heart Institute Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160908_C5371_PHOTO_EN_769182.jpg

For further information: Lise Plante, MBA, Director of Public Relations, Montreal Heart Institute, Tel.: [phone], ext. 3898, [email protected]