Big bike

The Heart and Stroke Big Bike was a big success locally.

45 teams took part from May 24th to 27th, including local businesses, service clubs, seniors groups, government agencies, and other corporations.

They completed a 2 km ride through the downtown core in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

This year’s event raised $78,000 locally.

“The level of support and the tremendous generosity that comes out of a small city like North Bay continues to amaze me,” says Julia Tignanelli, Heart and Stroke Area Coordinator for North Bay and Nipissing District. ‘Thank you so much to the many groups that came out to participate this year, not only for their pledges but for their energy and enthusiasm, and for helping us to promote the importance of heart health and active living in our community.”

Funds raised through this campaign go directly into the Heart and Stroke Foundation‘s mission, including placement of AEDS in our local communities, which can cut fatality rates by up to 90% (there are over 50 AEDs in North Bay); the development of public health tools; resources and support programs for survivors and their families; and, of course, vital heart and stroke research that saves lives across the country.

Every 7 minutes, someone in Canada dies from heart disease or stroke. In 80% of cases, premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable with healthy lifestyle changes. Since its inception in 1952, the Heart & Stroke Foundation has contributed over $1.4 billion to vital heart and stroke research, making them the largest contributor in Canada after the federal government.