County teams pumped to support Heart and Stroke Foundation

Horns honked and pedestrians cheered as Team Metro cycled off the Picton grocery store lot this morning on the Big Bike in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The ride is the first of the day in Picton. Sandra Barnes, area co-ordinator for the foundation, said seven enthusiastic County teams are signed up for the 2.5 km ride around that end of town.

The Big Bike pedals in Belleville Thursday, Friday and Monday before it heads to Bancroft, Kingston and Napanee.

“Our goal is to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke, have fun on the ride, and to raise over $170,000 for research,” said Barnes.

Helping the cause, along with team Metro this morning and late this afternoon are the Hamilton Beach Heart Throbs, the Picton Dental Centre, Community Living Prince Edward County Hearts Pumping, the ScotiaBank Scotiabankers, the Highline Produce Wellington Mushroom Farm Fungis and Fitness Powers.

Presented by Dairy Farmers of Canada, the Heart and Stroke Big Bike is one of the primary community fundraising events for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The fun-filled event features a bicycle built for 30, with teams of energetic riders pedaling through 200 communities in nine provinces – raising awareness and funds along the way.

“This year the foundation aims to raise $8.36 million across the country,” said Barnes. “Together with the Big Bike team riders, we’re transforming how communities think about, prevent, manage and live with heart disease and stroke.”

Visit bigbike.ca to learn more.