Edwards Lifesciences, the global leader in patient-focused innovations for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring, has confirmed that its 'Every Heartbeat Matters' charitable initiative is on track to meet its goal of impacting the global burden of heart valve disease.
The initiative, which involves the education, screening and treatment of 1.5 million underserved people by 2020, is supported by grants from Edwards Lifesciences Foundation.
The Foundation’s 2019 Annual Grant Cycle is now open. Applications for Every Heartbeat Matters, Community and other grants are now available online with a submission deadline of 28 June.
The Foundation says it is interested in partnering with charitable organisations that are meeting basic needs in the communities where the company's employees live and work.
“Since the Every Heartbeat Matters initiative began five years ago, we have made substantial progress in building a global community that is addressing the burden of heart valve disease for underserved people,” said Amanda Fowler, executive director, Edwards Lifesciences Foundation.
“This year, we plan to continue growing our giving focused on Every Heartbeat Matters and deepening our partners’ impact with the engagement of our talented and dedicated employees around the world.”
“Our commitment to charitable giving is one of the defining elements of our culture and locally we’re proud our employees actively participate,” said Managing Director of Edwards Lifesciences ANZ, Pat Williams.
“We’re fortunate to be able to support many health-and community-focused programs through grants to non-profit organisations around the world from the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation.”
Last year across ANZ over $165,000 was awarded to 10 organisations, including:
- $75,000: Friends of Fiji Heart Foundation – a New Zealand registered charitable trust which provides free operations for the poor and needy citizens of Fiji who are suffering from valvular heart disease
- $7,000: National Heart Foundation of Australia – to help with heart health and warning signs campaign
- $5,000: Youth Off the Street -to help with its Mentoring Program to offer one-on-one guidance, support and encouragement so that recipients can develop their talents, life skills and achieve their goals.
- $5,000: The Exodus Foundation – Christmas Day appeal to help serve lunch to thousands of hungry, needy and lonely people.