In a groundbreaking announcement, the Dilawri Foundation has pledged a historic $60 million donation to the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) and UBC Hospital Foundation. This monumental gift aims to establish the Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute, marking the largest donation in the history of both institutions.

The announcement was made by Ajay Dilawri, whose family has a personal connection to heart disease. Four and a half years ago, his father, Ram Dilawri, faced serious heart issues. After consulting with various experts worldwide, the family sought alternatives to complex open-heart surgery. They found hope in Dr. David Wood, head of cardiology at VGH. "We heard that if anyone could save my father’s life without open heart surgery, it would be him," Ajay Dilawri said. Dr. Wood successfully treated Ram Dilawri, inspiring the family to give back.

"Like so many families, ours has been personally touched by heart disease. It’s a cause that hits close to home," Ajay Dilawri stated during the announcement. The donation will significantly enhance cardiovascular care in Vancouver, with Dr. Wood envisioning the institute as a leading facility comparable to the Mayo Clinic.

The funding breakdown includes $35 million earmarked for a new multi-use tower at Oak Street and West 12th Avenue. An additional $25 million will be allocated immediately to create an innovation fund aimed at establishing a national cardiovascular research and clinical care network, collaborating with partner sites across Europe and the U.S.

Dr. Wood outlined ambitious plans for the institute, which will feature 15 centers dedicated to various aspects of heart health, including Indigenous heart health, women’s heart health, and youth heart health. The institute will also focus on core research areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and imaging.

"We are going to transform how we care for patients. Replacing heart valves on patients, and going home three hours later — using new technologies to treat heart rhythm problems before they become permanent," Dr. Wood explained. He emphasized the importance of minimally invasive heart surgery, utilizing robots and small incisions to improve patient outcomes.

The Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute will operate on a "hub and spoke" model, fostering research and treatment partnerships across North America and Europe. This approach aims to bridge the gap between research and the implementation of new treatments, effectively "disrupting" traditional healthcare delivery.

This donation also marks a significant milestone for the Dilawri Foundation, which has previously supported various initiatives, including the Hospital For Sick Kids in Toronto. The foundation has been active in philanthropy since 2012, contributing to patient amenities and research.

The Dilawri family’s journey began when patriarch Ram Dilawri, a trained mechanic, immigrated to Canada in the 1980s. He and his three sons, Ajay, Kap, and Tony, ventured into the automotive business, starting with a Honda dealership in Regina. Today, the Dilawri Automotive Group stands as Canada’s largest automotive company, employing over 4,000 people across 76 dealerships nationwide.

In addition to their recent commitment, the Dilawri Foundation has made significant contributions to the Vancouver Public Library and the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, showcasing their dedication to community support and development.