The Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. and Yukon is asking for volunteer canvassers for the following subdivisions:
Kershaw, Fawn, Wyndhaven, Weyerhaeuser, Dutch Lake, Blackpool, Greer, Dunlevy, the Flats, Lodge Drive, Grizzly Heights, and downtown businesses.
It is a little unnerving trying new things. I certainly did have some hesitation, venturing out and knocking on doors and asking for money. The first time I thought would be rough. I had my speech all memorized and I was going to rely on the fact that these people, after all, are my neighbors, kids’ teachers, friends, parents, and grandparents, and they would forgive me appearing to not know what I was doing outside their door. Well, they pretty much had it figured out before I did. It is now part of my winter. It gets me outside and enjoying my neighborhood.
People comment on how they only ever give door-to-door, and it is a strong fundraising tool. Its low overhead allows your dollars to go for critical research and development. In February, 2010, the Heart and Stroke Foundation released its report on Canadians. It was a warning of a “perfect storm” emerging in heart and stroke health that will create an unprecedented burden on Canada’s health care system.
While the death rate from heart disease and stroke has decreased by 70 per cent since the foundation’s establishment over 50 years ago. Still, one in three Canadian deaths are the results of heart disease and stroke. Today, the Foundation continues to lead the effort to eliminate and reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease by advancing research, promoting healthy living, and providing support to patients and their caregivers. British Columbia ranks first as the province with the healthiest population. However, the report is quick to point out that just less than 50 per cent of us are a healthy weight and only 50 per cent of us are getting enough physical activity.
Should you wish a volunteer position in your neighborhood, please contact Wendy Grimm, at 250-674- 6806.
