Students at Uplands Park Elementary School got moving and raised $4,700 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Hoops for Heart.
“It’s our major fundraiser,” said Kirsten Verhoeven, event coordinator at the school. “One of the teachers started it years ago and it’s become a tradition.”
Students in Grades 4-7 raised the funds by canvassing door-to-door or online where they can use social media to access friends and family.
They were encouraged to go in their neighbourhood with another student and parent and given a prepared speech explaining where the funds would be used.
Verhoeven said the students were very motivated. The foundation provides incentives, depending on the amount of money raised, in the form of heart healthy sports equipment including basketballs, volleyballs and Frisbees.
And it worked. Uplands was one of the top five fundraising schools in B.C.
“They’re great examples of leaders and advocates for healthy living,” said Janice Krall area manager for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. “Over the past eight years they’ve raised almost $30,000.”
Krall said the Hoops for Heart program promotes physical activity and Uplands has embraced this with a consistent level of support.
Money raised is used to further research and provide health information to communities.
For more information, please visit www.heartandstroke.com.