120,000 volunteers move more and sit less for a big-hearted cause

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An army of more than 120,000 big-hearted volunteers have been moving more and sitting less, as they door knock across Australia in support of the Heart Foundation’s annual Big Heart Appeal.

The Big Heart Appeal is the Heart Foundation’s largest community-led fundraising campaign and runs throughout September.

National Heart Foundation CEO, Mary Barry, said door-knocking for the Big Heart Appeal is the perfect way to stay physically active while supporting vitally important research efforts.

“Every September, more than 120,000 big-hearted volunteers pound the pavements of Australia in support of the Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Appeal,” Ms Barry said.

“In doing so, they are not only raising funds to help the Heart Foundation continue its life saving work, they are also benefitting their health.

“We know that regular physical activity, including walking, offers many health benefits, with 30 minutes walking a day enough to reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as half.

“With two out of three Australians (66.9%) aged 15 years and over doing very little or no exercise, walking in particular offers a healthy, fun and best of all, free alternative.

“And what better way of capitalising on that than by helping raise funds to keep Aussie hearts beating!”

Donations to the Heart Foundation during the Big Heart Appeal mean the charity is able to fund around 200 research projects each year in the hope of finding a cure for heart disease.

Ms Barry said the Heart Foundation is the largest non-government funder of heart disease research in Australia.

“As a charity, the majority of our funding comes from everyday Australians whose generous gifts are critical to helping us continue our lifesaving work,” she said.

All donations $2 and over are tax-deductible and a receipt will be provided.

Ms Barry said practical, achievable initiatives to encourage Australians to become more physically active are a focus of the Heart Foundation’s advocacy for a comprehensive, funded National Physical Activity Action Plan.

“We need to get Australians of all ages and backgrounds moving more and sitting less, and the Big Heart Appeal is a great way of reinforcing this very important message.”

For more information about the Big Heart Appeal or to make a donation please visit www.bigheartappeal.org.au.