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HALIFAX, N.S. – Set to launch its annual heart month door-to-door canvass February 1, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia still needs volunteers. Nova Scotians who register online before February 8 to volunteer as part of the Foundation’s heart month campaign will be entered to win one of 10 free pedometers to help them track their walking progress.
“We still need volunteers in all communities across the province,” says Sabrina Vatcher, Regional Manager for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. “As an incentive to be more active and to help us raise important funds this February, we’re offering Nova Scotians a chance to win a free Heart&Stroke WalkaboutTM pedometer.”
Heart&Stroke WalkaboutTM is a new initiative led by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia focused on promoting walking in Nova Scotia. Participants have access to online resources including walking groups, routes, information and more through www.walkaboutns.ca.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia’s annual heart month campaign is a tradition that has been happening for close to 48 years. It requires the efforts of more than 4,000 volunteers. Funds raised through the annual campaign help the Foundation fund life-saving research and health promotion programs. In addition, the campaign is also an opportunity to provide residents with important information about preventing heart disease and stroke.
Understanding one’s risk and the role factors such as physical activity and blood pressure play are very important says Vatcher, noting that heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for Nova Scotians. “Cardiovascular disease is a serious health concern for men and women. The Foundation is working hard to fulfill its vision towards generations free of heart disease and stroke by helping create a province that is healthy.”
“We’re asking Nova Scotians to open their hearts by taking four hours out of their schedule this month to help raise funds in support of the Foundation. No experience is required. All you need is a warm coat and a desire to make a difference,” explains Vatcher.
To become a heart month volunteer, visit www.heartandstroke.ns.ca/heartmonth to register online or call Megan Foster at 1 800 423-4432 extension 304. Nova Scotians who register online before 4 p.m. February 8 to volunteer will be entered in a draw to win one of 10 Heart&Stroke WalkaboutTM pedometers. This is a new promotion and is open to new volunteers.
If other Heart and Stroke Foundation volunteers or walkers in Nova Scotia are interested in using a pedometer, visit www.walkaboutns.ca to learn more about accessing pedometers.
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For more information:
Provincial contact
Jolene Titus
Communications Manager
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia
(902) 423-7682
Regional contacts:
Halifax County West
Heather MacDonald, Program Coordinator
Telephone: (902) 463-7673
hmacdonald@heartandstroke.ns.ca
Halifax County East
Brenda Gallagher, Program Coordinator
Telephone: (902) 832-3238
bgallagher@heartandstroke.ns.ca
Annapolis, Digby, Kings, Yarmouth Counties
David Olie, Program Coordinator
Telephone: (902) 742-4649
dolie@heartandstroke.ns.ca
Hants, Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne Counties
Ashlyn Sulis, Program Coordinator
Telephone: (902) 678-3496
asulis@heartandstroke.ns.ca
Colchester, Cumberland, Guysborough, Pictou Counties
Shannon MacLean, Program Coordinator
Telephone: (902) 755-1951
smaclean@heartandstroke.ns.ca
Cape Breton Island and Antigonish
Teagan MacLeod, Program Coordinator
Telephone: (902) 539-7813
tmacleod@heartandstroke.ns.ca
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