Ian MacDonald, left, HSFNS Chair, with Jane Farquharson, CEO of the foundation
Message from the Chair and CEO Telling our story: individuals and communities in action The Oxford English Dictionary gives us numerous synonyms for the word “story:” “narrative,” “tale,” “account,” “experiences,” “circumstances,” “news,” are a few. For the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, our story began almost 50 years ago and encompasses all of these meanings and more. It is a tale of community and family, of dedication and perseverance, of trials and triumphs. In that half-century, our fundamental storyline has never changed. We remain committed to improving the health and the quality of life for those Nova Scotians with heart disease and stroke, and for those who are touched by or at risk for these conditions. The past and recent history of the Foundation is enriched with the news of success from individuals and communities who benefit from the medical research and programs that we fund. The most recent pages in the story of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia focus on a key preventative measure that we all can take in the battle 1
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia | Annual Report 2007-2008
Board of Directors 2007-2008 Chair Ian MacDonald
Past Chair Ann Grantmyre
Chair Major Gifts Committee Kathryn Steen
Chair Scientific Advisory Committee
against heart disease and stroke. The newest chapter is entitled Heart&Stroke WalkaboutTM. Walking is the most popular and accessible form of exercise among Nova Scotians and has long been celebrated as a contributing factor to a healthier lifestyle. Active groups, dedicated individuals and walking leaders across the province are enthusiastically lending their support to this new collaborative initiative from the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection, and the Ecology Action Centre. Walkabout is aimed at increasing the number of Nova Scotians of all ages who walk to help protect and extend their health. The program provides advice, resources and encouragement to all those willing to make a small commitment to becoming more active through walking. The pages of this chapter in our story are still being written as we work hard to make a meaningful difference in developing a brighter future.
Dr. Roger McLeod
Chair Finance and Audit Committees Jerry Inman
Chair Board Affairs Committee Health Promotion Committee Jim Pyra
No narrative is complete without its heroes. For us, our donors, volunteers, staff, directors, and partners make our programs possible and our success viable. We are also grateful to the thousands of individuals, communities and organizations across the province whose activities support the Foundation. In the past year alone, more than 4,000 people took time from their busy lives to put their hearts and spirits into helping the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. They rode the Big Bike, jumped rope, shot hoops, canvassed door-to-door, walked, rallied, and shared with others our vision of future generations free from heart disease and stroke.
Directors Stephanie Bertossi Shelly Clow Richard (Rick) Dunlop Dr. Gord Gubitz Dr. Blair O’Neill Josie Richard Susan Spence-Wach
Our story is ongoing and never-ending. We continue to fund vital research, to effect meaningful social change, and to inform Nova Scotians about heart disease and stroke. Working with individuals and the communities they live in, we are striving to find better answers for life. Thank you for being an important part of our story. Sincerely, Ian MacDonald Jane Farquharson Chair CEO
Individuals and Communities in Action: Telling our Story
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Health Promotion Celebrating walking in Nova Scotia The workplace is not typically the first setting that comes to mind when we think about physical activity. However, employees at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre (CRHCC) are one of many groups that have adopted the philosophy of Heart&Stroke WalkaboutTM and used the workplace to integrate walking into their lives.
Individuals across the province celebrated walking in their communities
The Health Centre became involved with Walkabout early in 2008. Two staff members attended the Heart&Stroke Walkabout TM leader training, then trotted the idea of a walking group back to the rest to their co-workers. The Centre joined walkaboutns.ca, and the organization’s Healthy Workplace Committee has distributed over 400 pedometers to participating employees throughout the organization. Approximately 50% of the staff at CRHCC now wear their pedometers proudly – raising spirits, bringing co-workers closer together, and inspiring healthy change in the workplace, and beyond. The new phrase echoed about CRHCC is “Do you have your’s on [pedometer]?” and the usual reply is a quick flash of the waistline with a hip check to the side. “I started making changes in my lifestyle when I was diagnosed with diabetes last year,” said Janice Routledge, accounts payable clerk with CRHCC, who
Members of the CRHCC walking group have logged more than 10.6 million steps since joining the Walkabout community
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Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia | Annual Report 2007-2008
has benefited in many ways from becoming more physically active. “I’ve lost 55 pounds walking back and forth to work and recently joined a fitness centre.” Walking Leader Sue Boiduk played an integral role bringing Heart&Stroke Walkabout TM to her workplace. “Walking is a preventative activity. It is one of the main risk-reducers when it comes to chronic disease,” Boiduk said. “It’s good for your physical health and your mental health and Walkabout shows that you can do it in a fun way.” Since the CHRCC walking group joined the Walkabout community, 122 healthcare workers at CRHCC have walked more than 10.6 million steps and logged their progress on the Walkabout website, which provides users with resources to support walking. Here members can log their steps, join groups, create routes, and message other walkers.
Walking with Walkabout Heart&Stroke Walkabout TM is an initiative of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection, and the Ecology Action Centre. Walking leader training and challenges took place across the province; 72% of N.S. counties have at least one Walkabout leader. More than 1,400 people are members of Walkabout, including 107 walking groups online, and the number continues to grow. 2007/08 was also a planning year: • Work progressed on a social marketing campaign focused on changing the way we think about walking. • A contest to find a youth action team was created. • HSFNS secured support from the Public Health Agency of Canada and Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection to develop a pedometer-lending program for Nova Scotia. • A lending program through CAP sites in libraries across the province was launched to increase access to pedometers. Individuals and Communities in Action: Telling our Story
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Turning the pages •
The Heart&Stroke Health Directory received a makeover with a new look and additional resources. It continues to be important support piece for the Foundation’s Make a Move program – providing health professionals and their clients with a list of supportive resources.
•
In an ongoing story of community integration and success, HSFNS transitioned its Move More program to Recreation Nova Scotia who will continue to deliver the six-week physical activity support program to communities throughout the province.
•
HSFNS led a project to further support best practices for stroke care among health professionals. The project successfully increased knowledge of how to better assist stroke patients with their swallowing (dysphagia).
A success story We are delighted that the Nova Scotia government has made a $3 million commitment to the stroke strategy for the current fiscal year. Developed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia and brought to the point of implementation by Cardiovascular Health Nova Scotia, the stroke strategy focuses on prevention, acute care, rehabilitation, community re-integration, and overall improved quality of life for stroke survivors. This is great news as it will help address a disease that affects the lives of almost 1,500 Nova Scotians each year. With the government’s support, including the allocation of funding in the budget, Nova Scotia is firmly on a path toward positive change. This funding also secures Nova Scotia’s position as a leader on the national stage regarding improvements to stroke care. 5
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia | Annual Report 2007-2008
Volunteers – At the Heart of Our Story Last year, more than 4,000 Nova Scotians came together to help the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia achieve our goals and support our vision towards generations free of heart disease and stroke. From supporting our fundraising and health promotion activities, to providing community outreach, office support, and serving on our board and committees, Heart and Stroke Foundation volunteers are at the heart of our story.
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARDS The Outstanding Volunteer Awards were presented at a reception hosted by our Honourary Patron, the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. In 2008, 27 volunteers were presented with this award.
VOLUNTEERISM PINS More than 500 volunteerism pins were issued to recognize years of service to the organization. There are three categories. HSFNS volunteers with five years receive a bronze pin; those with 10 years, a silver pin; and volunteers with 25 years service receive a gold pin. This year 295 bronze, 196 silver, and 13 gold pins were presented. Individuals and Communities in Action: Telling our Story
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Generations of hope At 29 years of age, Brian Orde is among the youngest captains in the province, leading the door-to-door campaign for Annapolis Royal since 2007. Looking to find something creative and meaningful to do with his spare time, he heard about Heart Month through the media and decided to check out volunteer opportunities on the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s website.
Brian Orde and his son Austin
I want to encourage all Nova Scotians to take the opportunity to volunteer and make a difference in others’ lives – because you never know when it might make a difference in yours.
Not only does Brian volunteer to give back to his community, he also volunteers because his family has been touched by heart disease. His father was only in his fifties when he died of a massive heart attack. Brian, as a single dad, says that spending time with his own son is the most important part of his life. From his perspective as a father and a son, Brian has reason to be inspired to help raise funds for health promotion and research as well as encourage other young people to take up the call to volunteer in their community. According to Brian, “Canvassing is a great way to get active and meet people in your area. Volunteering is something worthwhile and we need more volunteers my age to keep it going. I want to encourage all Nova Scotians to take the opportunity to volunteer and make a difference in others’ lives – because you never know when it might make a difference in yours.”
Heart Month – Why it is so important?
Every year, over 100,000 people across Canada and nearly 3,500 volunteers in Nova Scotia put their hearts into making a difference in the lives of others by participating in the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s largest grassroots-fundraising initiative: the Heart Month Campaign. Funds raised during Heart Month enable the Foundation to continue its fight against heart disease and stroke through funding excellent research, influencing healthy public policy and delivering health promotion programs. This year alone, dedicated volunteers raised more than $495,000 during the Heart Month campaign.
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Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia | Annual Report 2007-2008
Communities in Action Thanks to the efforts of our thousands of donors, volunteers and participants, we raised vital funds to continue our work in addressing heart disease and stroke. Here’s some of what we achieved with your help.
A picture is worth a thousand thank yous In June 2008, 66-year-old Terry Michalopoulos walked approximately 800 kilometres along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela trail in Spain in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia and in memory of his wife Anna Marie. Terry raised nearly $3,500 for the Foundation. In the photo to the left, Terry wears the scallop shell around his neck, which is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Here he stops to enjoy the view of the public gardens of LĂŠon. Individuals and Communities in Action: Telling our Story
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(From left) Rémy Richard, CEO of Rémy Richard Securities; Jane Farquharson, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia; and Dr. Gord Gubitz, neurologist and Foundation board member
Heart&Stroke Big Bike Celebrating 16 years of Big Bike in Nova Scotia, 78 teams from Sydney to Yarmouth rode the school bus-sized bicycle built for 30 in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. Combined, participating teams raised more than $214,000 in support of lifesaving heart and stroke research and health promotion. A special Heart&Stroke Big Bike team – Leaders for life – made up of leaders from the business, health and community sectors put their hearts and feet together to mark the first Big Bike ride of the season. The Heart&Stroke Big Bike team raised over $32,000, and co-captain Rémy Richard led the team by raising $11,500.
Members of the Leaders for life team ride the Heart&Stroke Big Bike at the kick-off event on the Halifax waterfront on July 14th
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Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia | Annual Report 2007-2008
Heart&Stroke Big Bike Top Fundraisers The Lawrencetown “Happy Peddlers” were this year’s top fundraising team, raising over $12,000. Over the past 16 years, the team has raised more than $153,000 for the Foundation.
Dress Red Campaign The staff of Macdonald Chisholm Trask Insurance showed their heartfelt support for the Heart and Stroke Foundation by raising $930 in our annual Dress Red campaign. Provincially, over $43,000 was raised by 335 participating organizations.
Heart&Stroke Jump Rope for Heart Hebbville Academy celebrated its 25th year of participation in Jump Rope for Heart by raising $6,423. Across the province, 122 schools brought in over $421,000.
Individuals and Communities in Action: Telling our Story
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2007-2008 Corporate Sponsors Every story has many characters. One of our biggest thank you’s continues to be extended to corporate supporters who play a leading role in helping us attain the mission and vision of the organization. Each and every donation brings us all one step closer to that goal. Acadian Seaplants Limited
Lombard Canada Ltd.
Auto Control Medical
Medavie Blue Cross
AstraZeneca Canada
Medtronic of Canada Ltd.
Aviva Canada Inc.
Nova Scotia Egg Producers
Bayer Inc.
Ocean Spray
Becel
Pfizer Canada
Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd./LtĂŠe.
Philips Healthcare Canada
Boston Pizza Foundation
RRFB Nova Scotia
Campbell Company of Canada
Rogers
Carsand-Mosher Photographic
Royal Bank of Canada
Chatelaine Compliments
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada
Dairy Farmers of Canada
Shoppers Drug Mart
Dicam Management Ltd.
Stanhope Simpson Insurance Ltd.
Dynamic Funds
Sunstar
EdenValley Farms
The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company
Fidelity Investments Canada Hamilton Beach Hbc
The Kings Mutual Insurance Company Transamerica Life Canada
John Deere Foundation Kellogg Canada
WBLI Chartered Accountants White Point Beach Resort
Kimberly-Clark Lafarge Canada Inc. Loblaw Companies Limited
Thank you
from the bottom of our hearts. 11
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia | Annual Report 2007-2008
Leaving a Legacy Many Nova Scotians generously leave legacy gifts to the Foundation in a number of ways: by leaving a bequest, a gift of life insurance, or a charitable remainder trust; by making the Foundation the beneficiary of their RRSP, RRIF; and by gifting securities. These gifts support us in: • funding the next research breakthrough, reducing the impact of cardiovascular disease on Nova Scotians and their families; • supporting innovative health-education programs that help build healthier communities, schools and workplaces; and • investing in the programs that support survivors returning to the families and friends that they love and care about. For more information on planned giving, please contact our Gift Planning Advisor, Marlene Dorey, at 1-800 423-4432 ext. 305. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of others.
Special thanks to those who made a bequest to the Foundation in 2007/08: Jean E. Anthony Emerson Baker Jennie A. Bentley Gerald Frederick Borden Mary Edythe Boutilier Hazel Marie Bremner Mary Eileen Brown Ethel May Butler Vivian C. Clarkson William Francis Connell Barbara Faye Copus Dorothy Marie Corkum Sadie Marguerite Doggett Alexander Farquharson
Eileen Hiltz Emily Leonora Hiltz C. Russell Isnor Annie Annette Joslin Frederick & Abbie Lane Mary K. Lawler Stanley H. MacDonald Dorothy Alice MacLeod Flora B. Mitchell Marjorie B. Pettigrew Edna Lillian Reynolds Katherine Schwartz Bertha Stevens Lena M. Swan
Individuals and Communities in Action: Telling our Story
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A New Chapter in Research Research is at the heart of what we do – and is essential to achieving our vision. In 2008, we funded $566,776 to support research nationally and provincially. This includes $360,746 in funding for Nova Scotia research teams. Podcasts part of the plot As our story evolves, we can be sure of one thing: funding research – the fabric of our history – will always be part of who we are as an organization. Telling this story to others – the struggles and triumphs of researchers, individuals and communities that are affected by the research we fund – is also part of this epic journey. This year, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia joined the world of digital media and partnered with the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation to pilot test podcasting focused on HSFNS-funded research. Featured researchers were chosen to participate in the podcasts as a way to invite people inside the research process and learn more about the research we fund. The podcasts also enabled us to explore innovative and cost-effective opportunities to better communicate about research and the research community. The five podcasts are a click away at heartandstroke.ns.ca/podcasts. A total of 1,282 podcasts were downloaded between February and June 2008. There were 824 site visits to the podcasts posted on the HSFNS website.
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Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia | Annual Report 2007-2008
HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION RESEARCH GRANTS FUNDED IN 2008
ChristopHer M. Blanchard
Kishore Pasumarthi
Dalhousie University Understanding why women do not engage in as much exercise during and after cardiac rehabilitation as men, using a social-ecological approach.
Dalhousie University Identifying the best combination of genes and drugs to increase the frequency of heart muscle cell division in experimental models of heart disease.
Roger McLeod
Wayne Putnam
Dalhousie University Examining how the liver processes different kinds of fats, how metabolic changes lead to plaque formation in the blood vessels, and how the liver and fat tissue interact to affect metabolism and heart health.
Dalhousie University Focusing on the management of blood pressure in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Individuals and Communities in Action: Telling our Story
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Martin J. Gardner
Ratika Parkash
Dalhousie Unversity Researching new innovations in the diagnosis of a potentially fatal genetic condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
Dalhousie University Investigating dangerous heart rhythms and heart failure. This research is also focused on investigations into the potential for improved treatment options such as Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.
Susan E. Howlett
Thomas H. MacRae
Dalhousie University Examining ischemic changes in heart rhythm between young adult and aged hearts.
Dalhousie University Determining the structural and functional characterization of small heat shock proteins and their ability to protect cells during physiological stress.
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Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia | Annual Report 2007-2008
Dr. Greg Ferrier Award
Dr. Christopher McMaster is the 2007-08 recipient of the Dr. Greg Ferrier Award.
This year’s recipient of the Dr. Greg Ferrier Award is Dr. Christopher McMaster. Dr. McMaster’s research looks at using genetic approaches to find new ways to counter lipid misregulation. The goal is to identify new targets that may lead to better treatment options for obesity, heart attack and stroke. This research involves identifying the genes that control lipid metabolism and their protein receptors. Through his research, Dr. McMaster will strive to develop more effective and targeted drugs and treatments for various diseases. Created in 2006, the Dr. Greg Ferrier Award recognizes excellence in research being conducted in Nova Scotia and is given annually to the highest-rated HSFNS grant-in-aid recipient. The award also honors the spirit of Dr. Ferrier’s mentorship to a new generation of researchers and pays tribute to the leading-edge research he conducted throughout his career. Individuals and Communities in Action: Telling our Story
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Financial Review 2008 Statement of Financial Position as at August 31 2008 $
2007 $
3,136,110 1,529,472 99,129 45,120 4,809,831
2,878,887 2,077,493 718,224 63,169 5,737,773
Current liabilities
301,406
349,460
Deferred contributions
486,357
622,520
45,120 2,693,750 99,129 – 1,184,069 4,022,068
63,169 2,935,155 718,224 8,098 1,041,147 4,765,793
4,809,831
5,737,773
Assets Current assets Long-term investments Endowment funds Capital assets
Net assets Invested in capital assets Internally restricted Restricted for endowment purposes Externally restricted Unrestricted
Statement of Revenue and Expenditures for the year ended August 31st
Revenue Community based programs Bequests Memorial gifts Direct mail Corporate sponsorship and other Less: direct program costs Investment income Government/externally sponsored projects
Expenditures Research Health promotion Community development Campaign Administration Excess of revenue over expenditures (expenditures over revenue)
2008 $
2007 $
1,192,912 961,137 281,565 433,141 395,441 3,264,196 1,224,169 2,040,027 187,913 307,216 2,535,156
1,168,499 885,854 295,604 417,885 418,814 3,186,656 1,149,891 2,036,765 210,594 182,793 2,430,152
1,067,960 957,396 179,140 227,389 229,393 2,661,278
807,575 757,099 154,445 218,062 240,192 2,177,373
(126,122)
252,779
This information is summarized from the financial statements of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. A complete copy of the audited financial statements is available from the Foundation.
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Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia | Annual Report 2007-2008
Towards generations free of heart disease and stroke