Calgary Airport Authority Gears Up to Show Support for Heart and Stroke Foundation

July 22, 2016   |  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 22, 2016

(Calgary, AB) – For the fifth year in a row, 60 dedicated Calgary Airport Authority employees wheeled across Calgary International Airport’s airfield as part of the Heart and Stroke foundation’s Big Bike Challenge, to raise an impressive $15,963.00 for heart disease and stroke research. The event, which is part of the annual Calgary Corporate Challenge involves two teams of 30 participants pedaling a two-tonne bike around one of Canada’s busiest airports. Over the last three years, the organization has raised over $90,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Big Bike Challenge at YYC has given Authority employees the opportunity to ride in one of the most unique locations in Calgary, while inciting some friendly fundraising competitions as the teams gear up to take the race from the road to the tarmac. 

“Our employees’ spirit of volunteerism shines through the ongoing community initiatives that they plan and participate in throughout the year,” said Cynthia Tremblay, VP of Human Resources for The Calgary Airport Authority. “Many of our community events like the Big Bike Challenge are employee-led and make a significant impact in Calgary and beyond. It’s great to see how passionate our YYC Crew are about giving back to the community the airport serves.”

This year, the Authority employees dedicated all fundraising on behalf of their colleague Brittany Bruce, who recently suffered an unexpected rare stroke at the age of 24. Thanks to Heart and Stroke resources, Brittany has made a full recovery, and her story drove significant fundraising leading up this year’s main event. The focus for this year’s activities went beyond raising dollars, but also to increasing awareness among employees to help them learn about the importance of a heart healthy lifestyle.

"The fundraising activities of the YYC team over the years ranging from spin-a-thons and bake sales to karaoke sing offs have paved the way for another year of great big bike races at Calgary International Airport," said Heart and Stroke Foundation CEO, Donna Hastings. "Their effort and enthusiasm is inspiring."

National Stroke Awareness Month marked the launch for a number of employee-led events and competitions to raise funds in support of Brittany and the Heart and Stroke foundation. 2016 initiatives included a 12-hour YYC spin-a-thon held in the terminal building, an employee lip sync battle, online fundraising, an educational lunch and learn, along with providing access to numerous resources and literature on importance of a heart health.

ABOUT THE HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION

The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery. A volunteer-based health charity, we strive to tangibly improve the health of every Canadian family, every day. Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen. 

ABOUT THE CALGARY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. The Calgary Airport Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of Calgary International (YYC) and Springbank (YBW) Airports. YYC is an important economic engine for the city, region and province, welcoming 15.48 million passengers in 2015, supporting more than 48,000 jobs and generating more than $8 billion per annum in economic activity. 

Twitter: @FlyYYC

For more information contact:


Media Relations
The Calgary Airport Authority
media@yyc.com
P: 403 735 5899

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Photo of the Big Bike Challenge