WATERTOWN — Walkers from across the north country gathered in person once again for the North Country Heart Challenge on April 30 to boost physical and mental health while supporting a lifesaving mission.
The Heart Challenge drew hundreds of walkers to Jefferson Community College. For the first time, participants could start their walk at any time throughout the morning. Additional activities included a healthy food drive, healthy demonstrations, children’s activities, celebrations of heart disease and stroke survivors and entertainment.
Participants have so far helped raise more than $135,000 through the North Country Heart Challenge. Efforts are not done. Walkers can turn in donations until June 30, at www.NorthCountryHeartWalk.org. Teams are also still holding fundraising events. Team Dominic from the Copenhagen area is selling June fundraising prize calendars to benefit the 2022 North Country Heart Walk. The calendars will be sold through May 31 at a cost of $5. Purchases may be made via Venmo to team captain Erin Fazio @Erin-Fazio-2 or Wanda Minkler @Wanda-Minkler, or make inquiries about mailing a check by messaging the Facebook event page, www.facebook.com/events/685467712671818.
Names will be drawn live daily throughout June and the winners will be posted on the event page.
Team Dominic had 16 members participating in this year’s Heart Walk and has raised more than $2,500 thus far.
“Now, more than ever, it’s important to find new ways to boost physical and emotional health,” said Stacy Spaziani, American Heart Association regional director. “The Heart Challenge is a great way to keep up healthy habits, stay socially connected and keep up with physical activity while making an impact in your community and saving lives.”