Donation total exceeds $2.5 million for local heart health
WATERLOO, ON, May 29 /CNW/ - More than 1,200 cyclists and walkers are
limbered up and ready to boost Kitchener-Waterloo's heart health this weekend
as they take to the streets and paths to raise $200,000 for St. Mary's
Regional Cardiac Care Centre.
Sponsored by Manulife Financial since 1993, this year's Bike and Hike
takes place Sunday, June 1. To date, the Bike and Hike has raised more than
$2.5 million for regional heart health, with $1.4 million directly benefiting
St. Mary's Cardiac Care Centre.
Dr. Marla Shapiro, author, columnist and CTV's Canada AM Medical
Contributor is Honorary Chair of the 2008 Manulife Bike and Hike for Heart.
"Manulife is pleased Dr. Shapiro has agreed to be the event's Honorary
Chair because she knows the positive impact healthy and active lifestyles have
on our lives," said Paul Rooney, President and CEO Manulife Canada. "We are
also very proud of our volunteers and participants for helping us raise more
than $2.5 million dollars for local heart health."
Moira Taylor, president of St. Mary's General Hospital, added: "We're
very appreciative for the community's ongoing support of the Manulife Bike and
Hike. It's important to our continued success in providing the best cardiac
care to our patients. Thanks to the efforts of the event's participants and
sponsors, we were able to accommodate more than 40,000 visits to our Regional
Cardiac Care Centre last year and look forward to continuing to deliver the
excellent care our patients deserve."
Starting at RIM Park, this year's Bike and Hike includes 15- and
25-kilometre courses for all ranges of cycling skills. Walkers can follow a
three-, five-, or eight-kilometre trail in RIM Park. Cyclists will start at
9 a.m., while walkers start to stroll at approximately 9:20 a.m. Post-event
celebrations, including lunch, will continue until closing ceremonies start
around 10:45 a.m.
The Manulife Bike and Hike for Heart (originally known as The Manulife
Ride for Heart) has grown and benefited from community-wide support from a
diverse group of individuals and companies. For 16 years walkers, cyclists,
supporters and volunteers have given their time, energy and donations to help
ensure quality heart care is available in Kitchener-Waterloo.
All donations raised by participants in the Bike and Hike support
St. Mary's Regional Cardiac Care Centre. The event's operating costs are
covered by Manulife, other sponsors and registration fees.
"Everyone at Manulife is proud to be involved in our local health care,"
added Mr. Rooney. "We're encouraging everyone to come out Sunday to support
the tremendous work being done at our local cardiac care centre."
Organizers have their fingers crossed that everyone will hear the call
and come out to cycle or walk. There's still time to register. Call
519-88-HEART for details. You can also visit the Bike and Hike Web site at:
www.manulife.ca/bikeandhike or email us at bike&hikeforheart@manulife.com
St. Mary's General Hospital
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St. Mary's General Hospital has served the local community for more than
eight decades. The hospital is known for carrying out the tradition of its
founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton, offering excellent care,
compassionate service and a healing environment.
St. Mary's is a member of St. Joseph's Health Care System, and affiliated
with the Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre and McMaster University,
Hamilton. Through these and other partnerships, the hospital ensures that care
is cost-effective, as well as carried out with skill, compassion, and
kindness.
Manulife Financial
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Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group
serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide.
Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John
Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of
financial protection products and wealth management services through its
extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under
management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$400 billion
(US$389 billion) as at March 31, 2008.
Manulife Financial is one of two publicly traded life insurance companies
in the world whose rated life insurance subsidiaries hold Standard & Poor's
Rating Services' highest "AAA" rating.
Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE,
and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet
at www.manulife.com.BACKGROUNDER
Manulife Bike and Hike for Heart
--------------------------------
- Since 1993 the event has raised more than $2.5 million for heart
health in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Since 2000, the event has
directly supported the new Regional Cardiac Care Centre at St. Mary's
Hospital.
- Participants include more than 1,000 people involved in "Corporate
Challenge" teams (groups of cyclists and walkers from local
businesses and organizations), including senior executives from
Manulife and St. Mary's, 300 individual cyclists and walkers and more
than 300 volunteers.
- Starting at RIM Park, this year's Bike and Hike includes 15- and 25-
kilometre courses for all cycling skills. Walkers can now follow
either a three-, five- or eight-kilometre trail. Cyclists will start
at 9 a.m., while walkers start to stroll at approximately 9:20 a.m.
Post-event celebrations, including lunch and recognition of the day's
top corporate, individual and family fundraisers.
Media/Photo Advisory -
Manulife Bike and Hike for Heart this Sunday, June 1!
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WHO: More than 1,200 enthusiastic cyclists and walkers, plus
hundreds of volunteers are ready to raise money in support of
St. Mary's Regional Cardiac Care Centre. St. Mary's Cardiac
Rehabilitation Centre patients and their families will bike or
hike as a team at the event, raising funds for the cardiac
rehabilitation program.
WHAT: The 16th annual Manulife Bike and Hike for Heart includes 15-
and 25-km courses for all ranges of cycling skills, plus three
walking trails - three, five or eight km - in RIM Park.
WHEN: SUNDAY, JUNE 1
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Check-in and donation collection
9 a.m. Opening ceremonies and cyclists roll
9:20 a.m. (approx.) Walkers depart
10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Post-event celebrations and award
presentations
WHERE: RIM Park, near the Manulife Financial Sportsplex and Healthy
Living Centre
WHY: Since 2000, all donations have supported the St. Mary's
Regional Cardiac Care Centre in Kitchener. This year's
fundraising goal is $200,000 to expand the programs at the
cardiac centre. Beginning in 1993, this event has raised more
than $2.5 million for heart health in Waterloo Region.
For more information, please visit
http://www.manulife.ca/bikeandhike
For further information: Media contacts: Tom Nunn, Manulife Financial,
Tel: (519) 594-8578, (Cell No. on June 1 only, (519) 580-9517); Peter Sweeney,
President, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation, Tel: (519) 749-6578
