Häfele honoured to support event with real heart

Annual Charity Gala – LOVE

On Friday 12 September 2014, Häfele led the Australian business community in supporting the George Naim Khattar Foundation’s LOVE Gala - an event that celebrates the achievements of Dr James Chong and Dr Eddy Kizana.

These two outstanding medical professionals work across both Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research and Westmead Hospital, heading research projects aimed at repairing a ‘broken heart’. 

Dr Chong is leading the world in stem cell research growing new heart muscle to repair a damaged heart after heart attack.  His team are hopeful to continue their final stages of research before going to human trials.

Dr Kizana is using gene therapy to unlock the secrets of cardiac arrhythmia aiming to develop an effective treatment.

As well as recognising Dr Chong and Dr Kizana, the Gala also saluted the generosity of 1,000 members of Australia’s corporate community including celebrity chef Miguel Maestre, Mr Phillip Ruddock and the Consul General of Lebanon. 

The glamorous Natalie Barr from Channel 7’s Sunrise and Jesinta Campbell of Celebrity Apprentice and Miss Universe Australia proved perfect MCs for the evening’s festivities, with Nathaniel Willemse, of X Factor fame, and Ruhi Lavaki from The Voice Kids wowing the guests with their amazing voices.

Reflecting on the event, Häfele Australia MD, Peter Farruiga was effusive in his praise, “I speak for the whole team at Häfele in saying we’re honoured to support the Love Gala.

“One Australian loses their life to heart disease every 12 minutes. So the work of Dr Chong and Dr Kizana is crucial as it has the potential to save thousands of lives, and that deserves to be celebrated.”

All funds raised on the evening will be donated to Westmead Medical Research Foundation. The LOVE Gala is presented in association with Westmead Medical Research Foundation and Arab Bank Australia. 

Annual Charity Gala – LOVE –held at Le Montage on Friday evening 12 September, 2014.