Event to support health innovation in Windsor/Essex

The April 20 “Cheers to Hope” event will raise funds for WE-SPARK Health Institute research grants to support innovation across Windsor-Essex.

WE-Spark grants bring together experts from its five partner institutions — the University of Windsor, Erie Shores HealthCare, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, St. Clair College, and Windsor Regional Hospital — as well as collaborators across the Windsor-Essex region, Canada, and internationally.

“Every year, we are amazed and excited at the volume of applications we receive. But each competition we have had to leave great projects without support due to lack of funds available,” says executive director Lisa Porter, a professor of biomedical sciences. “Our goal this year is to raise $300,000 in order to support the projects that are seeking funding.”

Since its launch in 2020, the institute has awarded 67 grants totaling over $1.1 million with researchers across diverse disciplines and areas of expertise. Examples include improving cancer care for LGBTQ+ people, developing solutions in hospital emergency departments, migrant worker health, addressing affordable housing, and targeting liver cancer. For a full list of projects, visit www.cheerstohope.ca.

Cheers to Hope will run 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, at Ambassador Golf Club, 1025 Sprucewood Avenue, Windsor. Tickets are $150, with $100 going directly to support the WE-Spark grants program. Tickets are available for purchase at www.cheerstohope.ca.