Friday February 14, 2025 | SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
A $5,000 donation from the First Open Heart Society of BC to the District of Saanich is cause for celebration on Valentine’s Day!
The funds will ensure the Take Heart program at Saanich Commonwealth Place (SCP) can continue offering important services to patients in the community, the District said in a news release today.
“We are grateful for the society’s support for this vital program for people in our community with cardiac or chronic conditions,” says Lisa Banks, Health Services Programmer with the District of Saanich.
“Thanks to this community partnership, more people can take steps to improve their health and quality of life,” says Banks.
Take Heart is a 12-week supervised exercise program benefiting those who have had a heart event, or other risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, and lung/kidney disease. SCP is one of three local locations offering the program.
“When someone has experienced a heart event or may be at risk of one, they need support to manage their heart health to the best of their ability. That’s where the Take Heart program comes in,” says Dr. Victor Aldrete, Vice President of the First Open Heart Society of B.C.
“We’re pleased to lend our support to this worthy program, and very happy to see it continue in Saanich.” Saanich was the inaugural site for the Take Heart program 23 years ago, which was developed in partnership with Island Health.
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