PRINCE GEORGE (July 22, 2021) – The first of ten new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for the region was unveiled by Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, members of her family, and the Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) at Masich Place Stadium today as part of the Bill Bond Memorial Fund.
“Today my family and I are so proud to honour Bill’s legacy by announcing that 10 defibrillators will be placed in public spaces in Prince George, McBride and Valemount,” said Bond. “This first AED at Masich Place Stadium is just the beginning, as the Bill Bond Memorial Fund, supported by the PGCF continues to grow and will allow additional AED’s to be placed in the years ahead. Our family is passionate about the importance of having AED’s available in public places because they save lives and double the survival chances of those who suffer a cardiac event.”
When cardiac arrest happens outside of the hospital, less than 10 percent of people survive. With access to an AED and CPR, the rate of survival doubles.
“We are honoured to have the opportunity to help the Bond family place these AED’s in the region. For every minute without CPR and an AED, chances of survival drop by 7 to 10 percent. Having more AEDs in public places, especially ones available outside business hours or in more rural areas, are critical to saving lives and improving outcomes.” Said Heart and Stroke’s Regional Director of Health Policy and Systems Change Jeff Sommers.
The AED located at Masich Place Stadium is the first 24-7 publicly accessible AED outside of the Lower Mainland.
“On behalf of the City of Prince George, I am pleased to extend our sincere thanks to our partners for this lifesaving installation at one of our community’s premier sporting facilities,” said Mayor Lyn Hall. “Defibrillator access was a subject that meant a great deal to Bill Bond and his family; the funding of this AED through the Bill Bond Memorial Fund is a meaningful tribute to him that will make a difference in someone’s life.”
The late Bill Bond was a passionate supporter of the important work done by the Heart & Stroke Foundation so the Bill Bond Memorial Fund was set up to be a part of his lasting legacy, generating revenue to purchase AEDs for public spaces in the region he loved and called home for so many years. Donations can be made in his honour to the PGCF where the fund will continue to support AED installation and the Heart & Stroke Foundation for years to come.
“The Foundation is honored by the trust that the Bond Family has placed in the Prince George Community Foundation to ensure that Bill’s legacy lives on forever. Today’s announcement is the first step in making this a reality and we look forward to continue supporting the Heart & Stroke Foundation and this life-saving equipment through the Bill Bond Memorial Fund.” said Alain LeFebvre, President, Prince George Community Foundation.
The Bond Family would like to thank all the donors who contributed to the Bill Bond Memorial Fund to make this a reality.
About the Prince George Community Foundation:
True community development happens through the efforts of passionate citizens. Thanks to the vision and financial investment of local residents, the Prince George Community Foundation was created in 1995 to serve Prince George and the region in perpetuity. With the sustainable management of an endowment, ongoing charitable donations, and passion for community, the Foundation has provided more than $3.3 million to date for projects championed by local registered charities who work to build a livable, resilient community.
You can support the Bill Bond Memorial Fund at www.pgcf.ca/donate-now or by calling the office at 250-562-7772.
For media inquiries, contact:
Mindy Stroet, Director of Development
Phone: 250-562-7772
mindy.stroet@pgcf.ca
www.pgcf.ca | @pgcommunityfoundation | #allforourcommunity
