THUNDER BAY – HEALTH – WSP might not be a household name in Thunder Bay, but is well-known around the world as a leading professional services firm with approximately 34,000 employees, operating in 40 countries and on 5 continents. In Thunder Bay, WSP employs approximately 90 employees in its office in Innova Park.
Historically WSP has been providing high-quality engineering and architectural services in Thunder Bay for many years, although many would remember the company as Genivar (recently) or Cook Engineering prior to that. They have always been long-time supporters of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, in addition to supporting a multitude of other community organizations.
This year, WSP decided to focus on support for cardiac care and became a sponsor of the upcoming Resolute Save a Heart Ball; a gala evening dedicated to fundraising for world-class cardiac care in Thunder Bay. When asked why, it was very clear to David Knutson, Vice President, Industrial (Ontario), WSP. “Our firm has strong roots in this community,” he said, “and it’s important to us that we support the needs that exist here within our population.”
Added Knutson, “We’ve seen the tremendous growth in cardiac services over the past several years with the implementation of the angioplasty program at the hospital and are looking to the future where there will be full cardiovascular surgery available here.”
Knuston himself has seen the added stress when a patient needs to leave town for treatment. “It’s not just about the patient,” he said. “It’s the whole support system needed for the patient. Usually if someone needs treatment in another city, members of their family are accompanying them, taking time off work, paying expenses…it amounts to a lot of additional uncertainty and concern.”
“We have a responsibility, and one we accept proudly, to ensure that families have a full range of cardiac services available here in our community,” said Knutson. “We need to decrease the collateral impact of having to travel out-of-town for cardiac care and provide broader support for the patient. I know that will happen once we are able to initiate the cardiovascular surgery program. For WSP, these are key reasons why we’ve put our support behind this year’s Resolute Save a Heart Ball.”
To join WSP in supporting world-class cardiac care in our community, make sure to buy your tickets to the Resolute Save a Heart Ball, taking place on Saturday, October 22 at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre. Tickets are $150/person and tables of 8 are available. Purchase online at healthsciencesfoundation.ca/ball or call 345-4673.
