Williams Lake will be seeing red Feb. 23 during the third annual Dress Red Day in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The local event is spearheaded by Hub International/Barton Insurance, organized by Cori Post and Laura Bardell, and is designed as a fun way to raise both money and community awareness for heart and stroke issues.
Post is currently gathering business support. In 2009, 24 businesses participated and last year 19 were onboard.
Participating businesses are asked to contribute $5 minimum for each employee. How that money is raised is up to each individual organization; businesses also have the option of raising more money. Organizations are also encouraged to dress their businesses in red on the day and have their employees also in red.
“The idea is to bring awareness to the community regarding the importance of heart and stroke and healthy living, eating right and exercising,” Post says.
Participants will be judged and a trophy awarded. Last year’s winner was RBC Royal Bank.
Post says, for her, the event has great personal significance due to a family member who suffered a stroke.
Last year $1,309 was raised for local heart and stroke initiatives; in 2009, $2,349.85 was raised. This year the goal is to raise $2,000.
“It’s for fun and it brings the community closer,” she says, adding Barton lays down a specific challenge to other insurance agencies in the community.
Businesses interested in finding out more or participating in the challenge can call Cori or Laura at Hub International/Barton Insurance at 250-392-6565.