Town of Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff signed an official proclamation inside council chambers last week officially declaring February as Heart and Stroke Month in our community. A group of volunteers will be involved in the annual Person-to-Person fundraising campaign in Osoyoos throughout February. Joining McKortoff for the official proclamation signing were (from left) Irene Weiss, Judy Ivers, fundraising co-ordinator Jim Parker, Asia Joiner and Roberta Lawther.
KEITH LACEY
February is Heart and Stroke Month across Canada and Osoyoos residents will be asked once again to donate what they can to help raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Jim Parker, the local fundraising co-ordinator for the Town of Osoyoos, said the Heart and Stroke’s Person to Person campaign began on Monday and will continue throughout the month of February.
“Our volunteers will be conducting a door-to-door campaign and we will be asking local residents to donate whatever they can afford,” he said. “There is no set limit and they can donate whatever they feel comfortable with.”
All Heart and Stroke Foundation volunteers will be carrying proper identification during the campaign, he said.
Parker has been a longtime volunteer with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and was involved with the annual fundraising campaign when he lived in Whitehorse and has continued his volunteer work since arriving in Osoyoos 14 years ago.
“In my family, unfortunately, people die from heart attacks and stroke,” he said. “It’s a cause that’s very dear to my heart and I feel everybody should try and give back to their community in some way and this is the way I choose to give back to the wonderful community here in Osoyoos.”
Osoyoos residents are traditionally very generous and he expects more of the same during the campaign throughout February, he said.
Last year’s campaign raised just over $3,100, with proceeds going to the provincial chapter of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
More than $2 million was raised last year to allow 22 researchers in British Columbia to conduct groundbreaking research to try and reduce the number of people who suffer heart attacks and stroke in this province.
Last Friday, Osoyoos Maåçyor Sue McKortoff signed a proclamation stating that the town has officially åç February as Heart and Stroke month in our communåity.
The proclamation stated that every seven minutes, someone in Canada dies from heart disease or stroke. The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery.
McKortoff said she and members of town council applaud and commend the thousands of volunteers, staff and researchers with the Heart and Stroke Foundation for their dedication and commitment.
More than a dozen volunteers have already started the campaign this week, but more are needed, said Parker.
“We could sure use the help and it’s for a very good cause, so hopefully a few more will sign up.”
If interested, they can contact Parker at 250-495-2110.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
