St. Mary’s College raises over $5,000 for Heart and Stroke (8 photos)

NEWS RELEASE
ST. MARY'S COLLEGE
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Led by the Grade 11 healthcare class, students at St. Mary’s College hosted the Heart and Stroke Big Bike on Monday.

After many rides, over $5,200.00 was raised in just one day to help fund research for heart disease.

“What has been a class project over the past number of years grew into something a little bigger this year. Heart and Stroke offered us the chance to host the Big Bike at the school. The students were very enthusiastic and their efforts resulted in a large response from fellow students and the Board Office,” said SMC teacher, Anthony DeZordo.

In the previous five years, students were asked to each raise the minimum required to participate as a Big Bike rider. The donations collected over that time period are approaching $10,000.00.

This year, the Grade 11 healthcare class students recruited twelve teams of 29 riders made up of fellow students, teachers, and school support staff. A team from the board office also participated. In all, approximately 350 people had a chance to ride.

“The SMC Knight Riders did an amazing job for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. We surpassed our donation goal, but most importantly, we brought awareness to the serious topic of heart disease to our school and community. All staff and students were very enthusiastic and eager to get aboard the Big Bike and be the leaders behind this wonderful cause,” said Grade 11 student, Rylee Mancuso.

“I was proud and grateful to be part of this special fundraiser at St. Mary’s College. It gave our board staff the opportunity to work together as a Catholic community to support a very worthwhile cause that is near and dear to me,” said Director of Education, Rose Burton Spohn.

Funds from Heart and Stroke Big Bike rides help ensure that critical research in hospitals and universities across Canada can continue and support education initiatives pertaining to heart health.

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