 The Webster family – Alissa, Virginia, Cameron, and Kyle – at Ski for Heart in 2008. The event has become an important family tradition since Virginia's mother started participating back in 1980. Photo courtesy of Cameron Webster |
LAKE LOUISE, AB – Since the event's maiden voyage in 1976, the Heart & Stroke Foundation's Ski For Heart has become annual celebration for thousands of Albertans. This is more than an opportunity to raise funds for an incredibly relevant cause, it's become an event that symbolizes love and life through family and friends.
More than 30 years ago the Heart & Stroke Foundation created the Ski for Heart program to help raise money for heart disease and stroke research, but it was also a platform to help educate families on the ever-present dangers of these health problems, promote health living, and encourage advocacy.
The event took place in Lake Louise January 28-30, 2011, and in Jasper February 4-6, 2011.
Cameron Webster and his wife Virginia have been involved with Ski for Heart for many years now, and Virginia's mother, Susan, has participated in Ski for Heart since 1980. Back then the end-of-fundraising celebration was gathering of cross-country clubs to Lake Louise.
Today, that opportunity to re-unite with old friends is still there, but the event's become much more of a social event. At the end of the fundraising period everyone involved takes their families for an amazing discounted stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge where they'll enjoy cross-country skiing, skating, snowshoeing, skiing, and more.
"The organization has done a remarkable job in developing this event," Webster said. "The hotel's been so supportive of it. All the activities revolve around the hotel—whether it's scavenger hunts for the kids, dinners, auctions—and there's always a special presentation by a survivor of heart disease or stroke. Having someone speak about the issue who's so intimately aware of its dangers carries a lot of weight with it. It's become one of my favourite parts of the weekend."
 At the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, children can ski, skate, toboggan, and more. Photo courtesy of Heart and Stroke Foundation |
The Heart & Stroke Foundation also brings in high-profile specialists to educate the families on prevention as well as current research and how the field is progressing.
"Being able to learn about all the good work that's being done with the fundraising dollars is great. It's a really rewarding feeling knowing that every dollar really does count."
The Websters involvement in Ski for Heart has become a family tradition over the years. Starting with Susan, she passed the importance of fundraising on to Virginia and Cameron, who in turn have passed it on to their children, Alissa (12) and Kyle (10).
"It's become really important to us. There's such a family component to this weekend that we just can't do without it; we mark it off on our calendar every year and clear anything that might be going on at the time. The fundraising is so important, as is the cause's connection to our family, the fact that we've had lives saved because of it. But it's also a really fun event that the kids love, and they look forward to staying in the hotel quite a bit."
That family connection Cameron spoke of is in reference to a number of family members who have developed heart-related issues over the last number of years. Virginia's step-father, Tony, has had an arrhythmia since he's been in his 50s, and has had a pacemaker for the last six years because of it. Cameron's own father had a heart attack just two years ago, but at 71, is looking forward to getting back on the ski slopes with his grandchildren this season. Virginia's step-brother, Kent, had a quadruple bypass at the age of 40. Because of the work of the Heart & Stroke Foundation, he's 45 today and running half-marathons.
"The ability of these professionals to pull through for my family in emergency situations was amazing. We know, first hand, that our dollars are going to a great cause. We have a family connection that drives us."
Ski for Heart has set a phenomenal example for other fundraising organizations throughout Alberta, and the rest of Canada. They've raised thousands of dollars for a great cause, while focusing on fun and quality family time.
 Skiing is just one of the many activities you and your group can do. Photo courtesy of Heart and Stroke Foundation |
"We always encourage other people we know to make Ski for Heart a tradition in their family as well. You're doing your part to eliminate terrible illnesses, while getting an education in health living and spending a fantastic weekend with the people you love."
Each participant registers for the event and must raise a minimum of $250. They'll receive a luxurious room at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, at a special discounted rate. As a family fun event, Ski for Heart has something for every winter enthusiast—from x-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and hiking on site, to incredible downhill skiing minutes away.
Pamper your body and soul at the spa with a massage and facial. Join the kids in special activities like movie night. Meet other people dedicated to the vision of the Heart and Stroke Foundation at the Ski for Heart Banquet. Participants can also earn great incentives by fundraising more, such as discounted lift tickets at the local ski hills, room upgrades, or tickets to the Ski for Heart banquet.
For more information visit www.skiforheart.ca.
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