Touched by Heart Disease or Stroke

We Need You

Heart disease and stroke take a Canadian life every 7 minutes.

Have you been touched by a friend or family member with a heart and stroke-related illness? We need you to help spare others such heartache. Join Olympic medallist, figure skating, Joannie Rochette, the new Honorary Chair for Heart & Stroke Canvass, and help raise funds for medical breakthroughs.

Joannie Rochette’s Story

You probably remember that Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette won a medal at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010 under tragic circumstances.

Joannie lost her mother, Thérèse, suddenly to a heart attack only 2 days before she was to skate. Despite intense shock and grief, Joannie summoned up her courage and competed, winning a bronze medal and inspiring millions with her strength and grace.

“I was in shock and devastated,” says Joannie. “My mother was just 55 years old, and she was the heart of our family. I dedicated my win to her, for the memories of all the years we spent together and the sacrifices she made to help me get to the Olympics.”

Joannie became a national icon and symbol of courage. Now, as Honorary Chair for Heart & Stroke Canvass, she’s doing everything she can so other families don’t go through that pain.

“I know that heart disease and stroke together are the #1 killers of women globally, yet not enough of us recognize the signs and know what to do. My mom was one of them and I want to help change this.”

Join Joannie Now!

Join Joannie and become a Heart & Stroke volunteer canvasser or captain. You will help raise funds for research and share life-saving information.

This year, we’re talking about how to recognize the signs of a heart attack, including how women may experience signs differently—something that’s very close to Joannie’s heart.

You can canvass in person or online. It takes only a few hours of your time in February.

Every dollar you raise, every person you reach and every heart you inspire helps save lives and support families in your own community and across Canada.

• Visit support.heartandstroke.ca to sign up today or call your local Heart & Stroke area office.

Heart & Stroke Leads the Fight

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada has been fighting heart disease and stroke for over 60 years. Our work has saved thousands of lives and improved the lives of millions of others.

As a volunteer, you will share signs of a heart attack and raise funds for research, so Canadians don’t miss out on precious moments. Together, we’re working to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery through research, health promotion and public policy.

We need you for Heart & Stroke Canvass, our national, community-based fundraising campaign. The success of our program depends on nearly 90,000 who join to volunteer and connect with their neighbours, family, friends and online networks, and then collect donations for life-saving research.