Polo For Heart 2015 Combines Fashion and Equestrian Events to Raise Funds for a Worthy Cause

TORONTO, May 12, 2015 /CNW/ - Polo For Heart, the largest charity polo event in Canada, is joining with Fashion Group International (FGI) this year, to present world class polo games with  players from Argentina, United States and Canada on June 19 , 20 and 21. FGI, a global, non-profit, professional organization with 5,000 members and a pre-eminent authority on the fashion business, will be supporting Polo For Heart by having a major corporate presence at Sunday's games. The weekend festivities will kick-off Thursday with "Polo Under the Stars", a glitzy celebration where polo will be played in the evening. Tickets and tables for Polo For Heart and for "Polo Under the Stars" can be purchased on line at www.poloforheart.org.    

This year, proceeds from Polo For Heart will help the Heart and Stroke Foundation support research at St. Michael's Hospital by financing studies such as one that examines the relationship between heart disease and other illnesses. For example, because there is a strong relationship between kidney disease and heart disease, there is a need for a better treatment for kidney disease that does not increase the risk of heart disease. This research will hopefully lead to a new type of dialysis that is more effective than conventional dialysis. In addition, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) study will examine the relationship between diabetes and heart disease, which is often associated with kidney disease, and an aging population. Funds will also be allocated to the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation for the expansion of its Heart Rhythm Program.  Southlake's Heart Rhythm Program is one of the busiest in the province but the current facilities are at full capacity and cannot meet the demand of the community. Funds raised through Polo For Heart will help Southlake make critical renovations and expansions to services and infrastructure, to continue to support the over 10,000 cardiac patients that are treated at Southlake every year. Since Polo For Heart's inception, more than $6 million has been raised for heart and stroke related charities.

Polo For Heart is delighted to welcome back its title sponsor, the Bank of Montreal.  Five-star luxury hotel Ritz-Carlton is again hosting the Polo Pavilion, where guests will be treated to gourmet food and wine. Other major sponsors, whose contributions to this unique event are greatly appreciated, include Cadillac Fairview, Graywood Developments, Mercedes-Benz Downtown, VRG Capital, Canaccord, Norton Rose, the Grange of Prince Edward Winery, Miele, Mayfair Clubs, York Regional Media Group, Cameron's Brewing, TAG Vodka, Shop.ca and Purina. For a fourth year, Lloyd Robertson has been named as Honorary Chair of the Polo For Heart Executive Committee.

Polo For Heart will be held at the Toronto Polo Club in Richmond Hill at 13401 Leslie Street. Each day of the three-day event from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM, guests will be treated to two international polo matches, a silent on line auction, charming boutiques and daily half time entertainment, which includes the Canadian Cowgirls, a formation riding team, which has dazzled audiences across North America. Guests can also visit The BMO Kids Zone and the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Polo Pavilion and can participate in the traditional champagne divot stomp, polo picnics and the best hat contests.

"The Toronto Polo Club is extremely pleased to be a major participant in the 36^th year of Polo For Heart and to welcome Fashion Group International to this event. We are proud to present world class polo games and welcome players from other counties to this international equestrian event. We are delighted to continue to contribute to the on-going success of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation and help them attain their objectives," said Derek Watchorn, Polo For Heart Event Chair.

"The Heart and Stroke Foundation is dedicated to helping Canadians live heart-healthy lives, and our volunteers and donors are key to accomplishing that," said Tom McAllister, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ontario. "The funds generated by Polo For Heart will be invested in research at St. Michael's Hospital and in the use of an MRI as a tool to better select patients for heart valve surgery. Through such initiatives we hope to discover new ways of treating heart disease and stroke and help create more survivors."

"We greatly appreciate the continued generous contributions from Polo For Heart, which will be used to expand the Heart Rhythm Program.  The demand for our Heart Rhythm Program exceeds our current capacity and we need to add to the existing facilities to meet the demand generated by community," said Neila Poscente, President and CEO, Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation. "I wish to express my gratitude to Polo For Heart for their leadership and commitment to healthcare for this community. With the funding from the Polo For Heart event and contributions from our community, we will soon be able to accommodate more people in our Heart Rhythm Program."

SOURCE Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario

For information on the Heart and Stroke Foundation: Alexandra Maheux, Manager, Communications, Heart and Stroke Foundation, [email protected], 416 489 7111 ext 3178; For information on the Southlake Regional Health Center: Jenn Rae, Coordinator, Print Communications & Media, Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation, [email protected], 905-836-7333 Ext 5104; For information on Polo for Heart and the Toronto Polo Club: Beverly Brooks, Media Relations, Polo For Heart, [email protected], 416 482 8889