Local schools raise $65,800 with Jump Rope for Heart

The rates of childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes are continually becoming a national epidemic.

Twenty-three local schools from the Near North, Nipissing Parry-Sound Catholic, and Franco-Nord schools boards participated in this year’s JUMP Rope for Heart campaign in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. This year’s events raised a total of $65,800 across the Nipissing district.

“I am very aware of the fact that there are many demands on our schools, teachers, students, and parents,” says Julia Tignanelli, Heart and Stroke’s Area Coordinator for North Bay and Nipissing District. “The fact that schools continue to come back to a program like JUMP Rope for Heart after more than 30 years does not go unrecognized. The rates of childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes are continually becoming a national epidemic; encouraging Canadian youth to be active and form heart healthy habits at a young age is crucial, and we are so grateful to have the support of our local educators and families.”

Funds raised go directly into the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s mission, including placement of AEDS in our local communities, which can cut fatality rates by up to 90% (there are over 50 AEDs in North Bay); the development of public health tools; resources and support programs for survivors and their families; and, of course, vital heart and stroke research that saves lives across the country.

List of participating schools 2015-2016:

NEAR NORTH DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

Almaguin Highlands ($715)

Argyle ($1600)

Dr. MacDougall ($425)

Ferris Glen ($2560)

J.W. Trusler ($3325)

King George ($3945)

Land of Lakes ($1175)

M.A. Wittick ($3360)

Magnetawan Central ($1640)

Mapleridge ($5320)