From the left, Vivian Eliopoulos, president and CEO of Vancouver Coastal Health, Ajay Dilawri, co-founder of the Dilawri Foundation, Angela Chapman, president and CEO of the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation, and Dr. David Wood, head of cardiology at Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia Hospital, pose for a picture at an event unveiling a $60-million donation by the Dilawri Foundation for a new cardiovascular health institute and a research innovation fund in Vancouver on Thursday, June 5, 2025. (The Canadian Press)
A record-breaking $60 million donation is set to transform cardiovascular care and innovation in Vancouver — and beyond.
Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) is preparing to launch a world-class cardiovascular institute and research hub, thanks to the generous contribution from the Dilawri Foundation.
Groundbreaking Donation Redefines Heart Health
Dr. David Wood, head of cardiology at VGH, described the donation as “transformative” and “life-saving.” Of the $60 million, $35 million will go toward building the new Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute. The remaining $25 million will fund a first-of-its-kind innovation program focused on accelerating research and attracting international talent.
“This innovation fund completely changes the game,” Dr. Wood said. It allows researchers to act swiftly on new ideas, bypassing often-slow government funding systems.
Fast-Tracking Innovation, Attracting Global Talent
Dr. Wood emphasized that the landscape for research funding — especially in the United States — has grown increasingly challenging.
“NIH funding has changed. FDA approvals have become slower. It’s a different world now,” he noted.
With the innovation fund in place, the team can respond faster and more freely. In fact, Dr. Wood revealed he’s already received “hundreds of resumés” from experts worldwide wanting to be part of this groundbreaking effort.
A Vision for the Future
Angela Chapman, president of the Vancouver General Hospital and UBC Hospital Foundation, called it the largest gift in the foundation’s history.
The Dilawri Cardiovascular Institute is planned for West 12th Avenue in Vancouver. The rezoning process is underway, and construction is expected to begin in 2027, with completion projected within three to four years.
“It’s a massive project,” said Chapman. “We’ve been working closely with the city since the land purchase, and the support has been amazing.”
A Family's Gratitude Turned Into Legacy
Ajay Dilawri, whose family operates one of Canada’s largest auto dealership networks, shared the personal story behind the donation.
His father, at 90, was told by top experts around the world — including those at the Mayo Clinic — that he needed invasive open-heart surgery. But Dr. Wood and his team offered a safer, less invasive alternative.
“They were confident they could avoid open-heart surgery,” said Dilawri. “At his age, that meant everything to us. It was a godsend.”
The success of that procedure inspired the Dilawri Foundation to give back in a way that would help countless others.
Shaping the Future of Heart Care
This bold donation isn't just about infrastructure or equipment. It's about hope. It paves the way for fast-tracked treatments, better patient outcomes, and world-class research — all centered in Vancouver.
For patients and professionals alike, this gift signals a new era in cardiac care — driven by innovation, compassion, and global collaboration.
