By YASEMIN TALAT
Fiona Williams enjoys walking her local streets and collecting vital funds for the appeal. 105130
EVERYONE has a heart but it takes someone with a big heart to help raise money for those whose hearts are not as healthy.
The Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Appeal kicked-off last week with 120,000 big-hearted volunteers doing their bit to raise vital funds.
Among the volunteers was Williamstown resident Fiona Williams.
Ms Williams hit the local streets of Williamstown doorknocking to raise funds with her children.
“Not everyone can give but if they can give a little bit of small change then it’s basically cheaper than a cup of coffee,” Ms Williams said.
Ms Williams, who has witnessed family members experience heart complications, said she felt a personal connection to the cause.
“I think a lot of people in the community don’t realise how prevalent heart disease is,” she said.
She said it didn’t take long to get out and raise awareness and much needed funds.
“It’s pretty vital, it doesn’t take a lot of time from the volunteer’s perspective and it’s such a good community thing,” Ms Williams said.
“Everyone’s individual effort will result in a group effort and will have greater impact in raising funds that are much needed.”
The Big Heart Appeal is the largest community-led fundraising program for the Heart Foundation.
Victorian CEO of the Heart Foundation Diana Heggie said every donation would help the fight against heart diseases.
“Most people don’t realise it, but heart disease is the number one cause of death in Australia, killing one person every 24 minutes,” she said.
The 2013 Big Heart Appeal runs in Victoria from 1-30 September.
The Heart Foundation hopes to raise $5 million nationally to make world-class research possible.
People can donate online at www.heartfoundation.org.au/bigheart
