By fundraising for Heart & Stroke you are joining an amazing community of passionate supporters across Canada working to improve the lives of Canadians affected by heart disease and neurocognitive impairment . Here are just a few of the events, challenges, and celebrations being hosted by people just like you.
“Since physical activity helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, I decided to take on a challenge. I chose running a half-marathon because it is difficult and a sport I do not particularly enjoy. I have never run more than 10 km! Why am I doing this? Because it is difficult. Because the people I know who are affected do not find it easy that their lives have changed so drastically.”
Mariève’s father and Aunt are both living with the effects of stroke, and in their honour, Mariève stepped out of her comfort zone and completed a 10 km run and a 40 km bicycle ride raising over $4,000 for Heart & Stroke research!
At age 32 Kamil got some surprising news being diagnosed with stage four severe heart failure and cardiomegaly. Kamil has been an organizer of the charity tournament, The Owl’s Head open for 5 years and after his diagnosis, the decision was made to hold it in benefit of Heart & Stroke in 2023. On top of a successful personal fundraiser, Kamil and the other participants raised over $4,000 for Heart and Stroke through the tournament.
“I am running for my Dad, who suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest on October 30, 2020. I am pushing myself to be better and faster and stronger because that's exactly what he would want. And I am raising money for Heart & Stroke and their medical research that saves lives and enhances recovery outcomes for cardiac patients like my Dad.”
On June 24, 2023, Larissa ran a 12-Hour Ultra Marathon in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. She set out with a goal to run 63km in 12 hours and fundraise $3,000 for Heart & Stroke! Larissa not only surpassed her distance goal, but her fundraising goal as well. In the end, she ran 80.5km in 12 hours and raised over $3,200, making a real impact for Heart & Stroke research and advocacy with her efforts.
“I had lost 20 pounds, I was taking hang gliding lessons, playing tennis, boxing so I thought I was fit and I had no idea I was having a heart attack.” In 2021 one year after suffering a heart attack Danny decided to do something for his health and give back at the same time by bicycling across Canada to raise funds for Heart and Stroke. “The places I’ve stayed, people I’ve talked to, people buying me breakfast, doing my laundry, the encouragement. It’s been spectacular and the scenery I’ve run into, bears even,”
After the trip of a lifetime Danny celebrated by dipping his bike wheel in the Atlantic having raised $4,000 for Heart & Stroke research and advocacy.
Talia’s father passed away of a heart attack in 2020 while playing a game they both loved, badminton. “Experiencing my father’s passing was excruciating and I would not want anyone else to experience such loss. “ In his memory she has organized Heartbeat for Hope: A tournament that brings together badminton enthusiasts to have fun, make new friends, and support a great cause!
In 2023 Talia raised over $17, 621 for Heart & Stroke research and advocacy with her tournament as well as a silent auction featuring jerseys of top badminton players from around the world.
With their special day Stephanie and Rudy decided not only to celebrate their love, but also the life of someone very important to them. In lieu of gifts, and in honour of their guests, they made a donation in memory of Stephanie’s father, Dominic. With this amazing gesture they Stephanie, Rudy, and their friends and family raised $3,000 for Heart & Stroke research and advocacy.
Project Red is a fully student-run organization at Queen's University that promotes a healthy active lifestyle while raising funds for the Heart & Stroke . “Considering the horrifying statistics in Canada surrounding heart disease and stroke, we feel compelled to raise funds for the cause. We aim to positively influence university students and the Kingston community to better their health now and in the future.”
Project Red's main fundraiser is the annual Charity Fashion Show, which displays the individuality and creativity of Queen's students who are ultimately devoted to a common goal. This highly anticipated event is made possible by the hard work of student designers, dancers, models, photographers, videographers, technical crew, and executive team.
From coast to coast, endless events are being hosted in support of Heart & Stroke research and advocacy. Take a look at some of the upcoming and historical events countrywide and get inspired for your fundraising journey.
Feel inspired by the life-saving funds raised by our top fundraisers in February for 2024. Leaderboard reflects online fundraising amounts only.
Have you or someone you love been affected by heart disease or stroke? We love to share personal stories with our Heart & Stroke community to demonstrate how fundraising efforts can help make a difference in the lives of others.
Your story is important. Share your story with us by filling out the form below. If selected, we will contact you before sharing.
Thank you for sharing your story with us and for supporting heart and stroke!
Now it’s your turn to inspire others! Make every beat count on social media by posting why you’re choosing to fundraise your way. Use the hastag #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne and don’t forget to tag @heartandstroke
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