Every seven minutes a Canadian dies from heart disease or stroke. Here in B.C. someone dies from heart disease or stroke every hour.
On June 11 you can help join in on 20 years of riding and fundraising as Canada’s only 30-seat Heart and Stroke Foundation Big Bike rolls into the lakecity.
“This fun, team-building event is a great opportunity to increase employee morale and your organization’s visibility in the community, and all for a good cause,” said Lianna Jansen, area co-ordinator of the Kamloops office of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“Events like Big Bike allow the foundation to continue funding world-class heart disease and stroke research, advocacy and health promotion that is improving the lives of all Canadians. We’re helping give Canadians longer, fuller, healthier lives.”
In Williams Lake spots are available for teams of either 14 or 29 members between 11 a.m and 7 p.m. The ride starts at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex on Proctor Street and winds its way along a two-kilometre route in downtown Williams Lake.
“The funds raised through the Williams Lake Big Bike ride are used to bring awareness of how important heart health is for a longer, happier life,” said Elaine Balul, Williams Lake co-ordinator for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Last year in Williams Lake teams came together to raise a combined $15,576. Since its community debut in 2000 Williams Lake Big Bike events have raised $211,466.
Balul said so far teams registered have set the goal of raising $20,150 locally. Current teams include the Ministry of Forest, The Beat Goes On, Curvettes, Heartland Toyota, Taseko Mines, Royal Bank of Canada, Johnston Meier Insurance, Scotiabank, CIBC and Lake City Ford; however, Balul encouraged any other businesses or organizations interested to sign up.
Teams registered get points for community spirit, along with a chance to win awards for their team themes/costumes.
To register contact Jansen (Kamloops Heart and Stroke Foundation office) at 250-372-3938 or Balul (Williams Lake Heart and Stroke Foundation office) at 250-398-4952. Or, for more information, visit www.bigbike.ca.