Spring is here, and while snow is still on the ground it means that the annual Heart&Stroke Big Bike season is just around the corner. Presented by Dairy Farmers of Canada, this year's tour marks the event's 20th Anniversary, and will see the Big Bike travel to 40 communities in Saskatchewan. But right now, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is urgently calling out for groups interested in riding the 2,000 pound, 30 foot long behemoth.
"We would really like to see more teams sign up. We still have dates available through the summer months," says Pamela Hujber, Manager, Big Bike, Saskatchewan, Heart and Stroke Foundation. "As well, if climbing aboard the Big Bike is not your thing, there are other opportunities to help. We need volunteers in each community to help facilitate the event."
A Big Bike Team Captain plans and promotes each Big Bike event in their community, using materials provided by the Foundation. They recruit a team of 29 friends, neighbours or co-workers (14 years and older) and provide them with information about the event. Working with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, they select a day to ride and help their team raise funds and gather pledges. Other volunteers help the Heart and Stroke Foundation organize and run each ride.
"The Big Bike has been a summer highlight for many years in Saskatchewan and has grown nation-wide," says Hujber. "And we couldn't have done it without the tireless support of our volunteers, our team captains and the ride teams who return every year."
Funds raised from the Heart&Stroke Big Bike are directed towards heart heath and stoke research, education and advocacy. "Today, you will likely see someone who is alive because of this vital work," says Hujber. "The advances we have made are incredible, but there is still so much work to do. Every seven minutes, a Canadian dies from heart disease or stroke, so it is crucial that we continue our research and education programs. Every dollar we raise moves us closer to beating this disease."
With the support of individuals and teams from across the country, plus sponsorships like that of Dairy Farmers of Canada, the Big Bike's goal is to beat last year's fundraising total of $7 million. For information about the Heart and Stroke Foundation Big Bike, visit www.bigbike.ca and http://www.heartandstroke.sk.ca/, or contact Pam Hujber at 1-888-473-4636.
