by Fiona Wren
Apple Magazine, July/August 2004
John Forzani's decision to raise money for health care is rooted in a simple idea.
"We can't have a great health care system if people don't chip in. And I believe that, as a business, it's our responsibility to give back to the community," he says.
That commitment to community building took on personal meaning for Forzani when his father passed away from heart disease. A short time later, the Calgary sporting goods retailer set about organizing a walk and run event, in part to get Calgarians interested in becoming more physically active, but also to raise money for the old General Hospital's cardiac rehabilitation program.
Twenty-seven years later, The Forzani Group Foundation's Mother's Day Run and Walk is one of the most successful fundraising events of its kind, attracting thousands of participants and generating millions of dollars for health care.
More than 10,900 Calgarians "chipped in" this year, spending a chilly Mother's Day morning running, walking and wheeling through the downtown core. Proceeds from the event will go to the Calgary Health Trust, which will support the Cardiac Arrhythmia program at the Foothills Medical Centre. Funds will help purchase an electrophysiology recording and mapping system, which is used to diagnose and treat patients with heart rhythm disorders. The generosity of Calgarians doesn't stop with the participants, who collect pledges to help raise funds. The City of Calgary helps with road closures and offers free transit to participants. Panda Flowers donates roses every year. And major sponsors have offered their support.
Raising money for cardiac programs seems like a natural fit for the Forzani Group. "We're in the fitness industry, and there's an obvious link between heart health and fitness," he says. Through the years, Forzani, chair of The Forzani Group Ltd., has remained committed to supporting initiatives that make a difference he can see. And each year, with the help of the Calgary Health Trust, the organizing committed chooses the program or piece of equipment that will benefit from their efforts.
"It's good to be able to see where your donation goes," says Forzani, when asked about the equipment the run has helped purchase for cardiac care programs in Calgary. "We buy pieces of equipment that are needed. We can actually see which projects the run has helped fun," he says, listing past projects that include a cardiac MRI for the Peter Lougheed Centre.
Deciding which initiative to support has led Forzani to meet people who are truly committed to bringing excellence to health care. "The doctors are very passionate," says Forzani. "It's good to see people who believe in the cause first, and see the money as a by-product."
Although the Mother's Day Run and Walk is already a huge success, Forzani's vision for the event doesn't stop at 10,000, or even 20,000 participants. "I'd like to see it become a civic event," he says, "that this is what Calgarians do on Mother's Day. I'd like to see it reach 50,000 people, like Bloomsday in Spokane does every year."
And regardless of the size of the donation, Forzani urges every donor to do his or her research before making a gift. "Find out where your donation is going," he says. "Find out exactly how you're making a difference."