Experiences with family members suffering from heart and stroke issues and feeling like she had to do something to help, is what brought local Barb Ryan into the realms of volunteering for the Heart and Stroke Foundation over 20 years ago.
Ryan began her service with the foundation as a door-to-door campaigner, worked her way to a campaign manager and for the past three years, host of the annual Heart and Stroke Fund dinner in Princeton.
Carrera Teal, Okanagan/Kootenay community development co-ordinator for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon attended the dinner held at the Legion this past Sunday.
Teal announced that Ryan, “is an incredible volunteer and campaign manager.” She added that “in the last four years, $30,000 had been raised in Princeton for Heart and Stroke—phenomenal.”
Giving thanks for her years of dedicated service, Teal presented a teary-eyed Ryan with a potted flower, as a small token of appreciation.
“I love every bit of it,” said Ryan of her volunteering, “I will keep doing this for as long as I can.”
During her 20 plus years as a volunteer, Ryan has witnessed the difference her and her volunteer canvassers have made.
“More and more people are becoming aware, even the younger ones—and doing something about it.”
She adds a simple message, “We have only one chance, look after yourself, exercise, eat right—take care of your body.”