Fix-A-Heart began in 2003 with former Langford Canadian Tire store owner Peter Spillette, a champion of cardiac care on Vancouver Island. When Peter passed away in 2008, Canadian Tire owners and staff honoured his vision with a $1 million commitment for leading-edge cardiac equipment at RJH. Five existing store owners, plus three past owners, have all contributed to this annual tradition that runs from November 24 to December 24.

From 2003 to 2020, the at-the-till initiative raised over $1 million for critical cardiac care equipment at RJH. In the past decade, the local Canadian Tire’s Fix-A-Heart campaign has helped fund more than 90 pieces of equipment for cardiac care, including: ECG machines, critical care beds, a Catheterization Lab C-Arm, Telemetry Monitors, cardiac ultrasounds, and last year, a CryoConsole supporting individuals experiencing arrhythmias.

In 2021, the Hillside, Langford, View Royal, Royal Oak, and North Saanich Canadian Tire stores, as well as the Gordon Head Auto Centre, generously renewed their commitment to raise an additional $1 million for cardiac care at RJH over the next 10 years, with an annual goal of $100,000.

This year’s campaign will help fund a new Abbott ViewMate Multi Ultrasound for Royal Jubilee Hospital. The ViewMate provides high resolution 2D and 3D imaging of cardiac structures, blood flow, and devices within the heart. It provides real-time, high-fidelity imaging to help clinicians navigate and perform complex procedures like catheter ablation by allowing them to see the heart’s anatomy, blood flow, and any devices being used. With this new equipment in place, we can provide specialized care right here in the community, ensuring that patients do not have to travel far for life-changing treatments.