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Manulife Bike and Hike for Heart set to raise $175,000 for St. Mary’s Hospital Regional Cardiac Care Centre WATERLOO – Up to 1,400 cyclists and walkers are poised to give a boost to cardiac care in Kitchener-Waterloo this weekend as they take to the streets and paths to raise $175,000 for St. Mary’s Regional Cardiac Care Centre. Sponsored by Manulife Financial since 1993, this year’s Manulife Bike and Hike for Heart (formerly Manulife Ride for Heart) takes place Sunday, June 8. “During the past decade, this annual event has raised more than $1 million to support local heart health,” said Bruce Gordon, Manulife’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Canadian Operations, based in Waterloo. “We encourage everyone to come out Sunday to continue the good work that’s being done at the new cardiac care centre.” Bruce Antonello, president and CEO of St. Mary's General Hospital, added: “The cardiac centre now offers many services such as catheterization and rehabilitation and this year, we plan to expand our services and begin doing cardiac surgery plus angioplasty as well. It’s been very rewarding to see our services expand with the help of the community.” Starting at RIM Park, this year’s Bike and Hike includes 20- and 40-kilometre courses for all ranges of cycling skills. Walkers can now follow either a three-kilometre trail or a new five-kilometre trail in RIM Park. Cyclists will start at 9 a.m., while walkers start to stroll at approximately 9:20 a.m. Lunch and post-event celebrations will continue until closing ceremonies are held around noon. All donations raised from the Bike and Hike will go to the cardiac care centre. Manulife, other co-sponsors and registration fees cover the event’s operating costs. “Manulife is extremely proud of its involvement in the local regional hospital fund-raising campaign,” says Mr. Gordon “The Manulife Bike and Hike is a fun way for people to help support this long-anticipated addition to local health care. We are pleased to be a part of this very worthwhile endeavour.” Organizers have their fingers crossed that everyone will hear the call and come out to cycle or walk. There's still time to register. Call 88-HEART for details. Or visit the Bike and Hike Web site at: www.manulife.ca/bikeandhike. St. Mary’s General Hospital Next year, St. Mary’s General Hospital will celebrate 80 years of caring for the local community. The hospital is known for carrying out the tradition of its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton, and offering excellent care, compassionate service and a healing environment. St. Mary’s is a member of St. Joseph’s Health Care System, and affiliated with the Father Sean O’Sullivan Research Centre and McMaster University, Hamilton. Through these and other partnerships, the hospital ensures that care is cost-effective, as well as carried out with skill, compassion, and kindness. Manulife Financial Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group operating in 15 countries and territories worldwide. Through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners, Manulife Financial offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services. Funds under management by Manulife Financial were Cdn$141.6 billion as at March 31, 2003. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com. – 30 – For more information or interviews, please contact:
BACKGROUNDER Manulife Bike and Hike for Heart
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