On Saturday May 14, 2011, Team CCHA and The Slow Pokes walked in the Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada’s “Walk of Life”. Our goal was to raise $6,000 for the Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance; to fund important programs such as the ‘Beat Retreat’ camp, and to increase the profile of congenital heart disease across Canada.
The host of this event was the newly re-branded Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting cardiac rehabilitation and the advocacy of prevention and education across Canada. Since 1965, $10 million has been raised nationally for facilities, scholarships and research, patient and public awareness, professional education, and medical equipment. For more information, visit www.cardiachealth.ca.
Many of our members with congenital heart defects take advantage of the Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada rehab programs to help them exercise safely under supervision. For this event we split the proceeds 50/50 with the Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada.
As you are aware, the Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance (CCHA) is a 100% volunteer-run organization made up of patients with a congenital heart defect, their families, friends and the medical community. With your support, we aim to improve the quality of care for those patients, many of whom require lifelong expert care. To learn more about the Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance (CCHA), please visit www.cchaforlife.org
The event took place at the Ontario Science Centre with the 3K walk and 5K walk/run taking place through the picturesque ET Seton Park. The WALK of LIFE is UNIQUE. It is NOT like every other walk or run that meets outside under tents… It doesn’t disrupt the fabric of a busy city… Rather, family, friends and local supporters gather inside a beautiful venue, are treated royally, and then proceed outside into breathtaking parkland.
This year’s event was hugely successful, with Team CCHA’s 18 participants raising over $5000 and the 5 members of The Slow Pokes team raising $1300, for a grand total of $6,464. A big thank you to the members of Team CCHA: Toby, Shelagh, Lori, Debbie, Denise, Elizabeth, Mike, Cindy, Ben, Marietta, Tania, Emma, Mike, Cathy, Luigi, John, Aki, and team captain Jennifer. Thanks as well to The Slow Pokes team of Chris, Reagan, Lauren and team captain Dee. Great job everyone and we hope to see more of you at next year’s event! It’s a great way to raise funds, get exercise, AND meet fellow heart friends.