Crop Aid Nutrition’s Heart of Harvest event raises nearly $78,000 for Southern Alberta cardiac care
NEWS RELEASE | For immediate release
The agriculture community rallies behind the Bringing Hearts Home campaign.
LETHBRIDGE, AB (October 19, 2026) — Following Crop Aid Nutrition’s Heart of Harvest fundraiser, an impressive $77,826.85 was raised in support of the Bringing Hearts Home campaign and expanded cardiac care at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.
The idea for Heart of Harvest was brought forward by Crop Aid Nutrition’s District Manager, Walter Van Ee. 38 years ago, Van Ee and his family travelled repeatedly to larger centres for specialized care after his infant daughter developed heart complications. At only seven months old, his daughter passed away, and the impact of that tragic experience has shaped Walter’s belief in the importance of having specialized cardiac care available closer to home.
“This cause is deeply personal to me. My family has been affected by heart issues for generations, and I know what it means to travel hours for specialized care,” said Van Ee. “Seeing this community come together and raise nearly $78,000 gives me hope that more Southern Alberta families will get the care they need closer to home.”
On October 15, 2026, approximately 75 Heart of Harvest attendees gathered to raise funds through live and silent auctions and a live pledge drive. The total included $10,000 from Crop Aid Nutrition, and an anonymous donation of $30,000 during the pledge drive.
“We’ve only been servicing the area for about a year now, but the communities have been so welcoming to the entire Crop Aid Nutrition team,” said Darren Sander, Operations Manager with Crop Aid Nutrition. “We wanted to give back in a way that supports the team, network and agricultural communities who have supported us.”
The need for expanded cardiac care resonated strongly throughout the evening. Representatives from the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation were in attendance to share more about the Bringing Hearts Home campaign and the importance of expanding cardiac care in Southern Alberta. When guests were asked whether they or someone close to them had been impacted by heart issues, approximately 90 percent of the room raised their hands.
Crop Aid Nutrition extends its thanks to the guests, donors, sponsors, businesses and volunteers who helped make the first Heart of Harvest possible.
Media Coverage & Features
Article: Read the full story on Rural Roots Canada: Crop Aid Nutrition Fundraiser Secures Almost $78,000
Video: Watch Walter Van Ee share the personal story behind the Heart of Harvest campaign.
Media Contact
To schedule an interview with Walter or Darren, contact:
Nicole Denty
Marketing Manager, Crop Aid Nutrition
(204) 851-7156
ndenty@cropaidnutrition.com
About Crop Aid Nutrition
Crop Aid Nutrition was founded by a Saskatchewan farmer with more than 20 years of expertise in the soil health industry in Canada and internationally.
We are dedicated to advancing soil health by manufacturing industry-leading products informed by global knowledge and methods, and backed by science and data. Crop Aid Nutrition is committed to transparency and customer service.