AMF Bowling Belconnen and Tuggeranong will host ‘Strike Against Stroke’, an exciting fundraising bowling event to raise funds for stroke patients at Canberra Hospital, as part of Stroke Awareness Week, 13-18 September.
Kicking off at noon on Friday 17 September, both AMF Bowling centres will remain open for a 24-hour period, with a number of high profile bowlers enlisted to help raise money in the fight against stroke.
Jordan Rogers, CEO, AMF Bowling, says he is excited to be supporting a cause so significant and close-to-home for so many individuals.
“Keeping these centres open for 24 hours is a first for AMF bowling and we are looking forward to seeing a big turn-out for this great event,” said Mr Rogers.
A number of celebrities and sport stars will be lending their support to the cause, including Brumbies players Colby Faingaa and Nic White, and former basketball legend Herb McEachin. See a full list of the celebrity participants at: http://www.ourwellnessfoundation.org.au/strike-against-stroke-contestant-profiles.html
“Stroke is the second leading killer in Australia, after coronary heart disease. This year alone there will be 60,000 strokes in Australia, essentially one every 10 minutes. It kills more women than breast cancer and is the leading cause of disability. Financially stroke is estimated to cost the Australian economy approximately 2.14 billion a year,” said Dawn Nusa, Stroke Liaison Nurse at Canberra Hospital.
“Strike Against Stroke is an opportunity to raise much needed funds and public awareness about this devastating condition. Stroke information tables will be manned at both Belconnen and Tuggeranong AMF sites.
“It is critical that we get the word out that many strokes are preventable through life style changes like not smoking, reducing our salt intake, keeping our blood pressure in check, not drinking too much,” she said.
Businesses, government departments and other groups are also encouraged to enter a team during the event.
“As well as supporting a cause, the event will be a fun time to get your competitive juices flowing and to challenge your co-workers,” said Mr Rogers.
“With the help of a lot of coffee, Strike Against Stroke will be a fun and engaging way to encourage community involvement to raise funds for Canberra Hospital,” he said.
Supporters of the contestants will be encouraged to visit and sponsor their chosen bowler during the 24 hours, with all funds raised going to the Stroke Unit and the Rehabilitation Ward at the Canberra Hospital.
The event is also an important tool for educating the public about what to do if you think someone is having a stroke.
“We need to let people know that stroke outcomes can greatly improve if we urgently seek medical attention when symptoms first appear,” said Ms Nusa.
Registration is now open. Friends and family are welcome to come along and support the contestants. For more information, contact the Fundraising Office at the Canberra Hospital for information on how you can support Strike Against Stroke.
To sponsor your favourite celebrity bowler for this event, jump online at: http://www.ourwellnessfoundation.org.au/
