When Lyndsey Wilks sees red it’s a good thing.
That’s because the 34-year-old enjoys inspiring locals to Dress Red for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A relative newcomer to Williams Lake Wilks moved here last February from Merritt where she’s organized fundraising events for Heart and Stroke for three years in a row.
“We always had lots of fun there and I’m hoping that will happen here too,” she said.
Within two weeks of starting to contact local businesses, nine have already signed up and because Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, Wilks and her team of judges will visit participating business on Friday, Feb. 13.
“I’ve also heard from a few businesses who don’t want to dress up in red, but are happy to fundraise. February is Heart and Stroke Month.”
Marking Heart and Stroke month has also had a great buy-in from the Seniors Village where an afternoon tea is planned for Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Residents and visitors will enjoy tea time with heart healthy snacks, take some quizzes and sing some songs about healthy hearts.
“When I engaged the seniors in Merritt with events they had a lot of fun,” Wilks smiled.
When she was in Merritt, businesses helped raised $10,000 one year, an amount Wilks is hoping Williams Lake can match.
And you know, she’s already half way there thanks to a generous kickstart from the Williams Lake Truckers Association.
“I was telling one of my clients about Heart and Stroke, he left and returned 20 minutes later with a cheque for $5,000,” Wilks said.
“I just wanted to cry.”
Dress Red is about raising awareness, she added.
“We all have aunts, uncles, moms, dads or friends who have had heart attacks or diseases and strokes.”
For more information on how to participate call Wilks at 250-392-6565 or e-mail her at Lyndsey.wilks@hubinternational.com.