October 11, 2018 | Manitoba

VANCOUVER, BC; October 11, 2018 - During the month of September and in honour of World Heart Day on September 29th, CDI College campuses across Canada were raising money and awareness for cardiovascular health, eventually bringing in more than $3,200 for Heart & Stroke.

For 2018, there was a renewed focus on women’s health, as heart disease and stroke are the #1 cause of pre-mature death in Canada; however, currently, two-thirds of clinical research focuses on men.

“We were very pleased to see the generosity of our staff, students, and faculty in raising so much money for an important cause,” said Andre Souza, VP of Operations at CDI College.

Students, staff, and faculty at CDI College campuses took part in several different fundraising efforts throughout the month of September, including selling bracelets, holding bake sales, raffles, making special potluck lunches and dedicating a paper heart to loved ones who have suffered from heart disease.

Heart & Stroke estimates 1.6 million people in Canada are living with the effects of heart disease and stroke. New research shows one-third more women die of stroke than men do, and women are 60% less likely to regain their independence after a stroke.

Organized by the World Heart Federation as a means of raising awareness for heart health and encouraging people and health policymakers to act, the first World Heart Day took place in 2000, and is held on September 29th each year.