Gala Robe Rouge was a night of triumph for Heart & Stroke awareness

Tashi Farmilo

The 10th annual Red Dress Gala in Gatineau, celebrated on February 3rd, set a new benchmark by raising $103,000 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation, marking a significant step forward in the battle against cardiovascular disease. This event stood out for its emblematic red dress, a symbol of femininity, strength, and confidence, encapsulating a cause with which women across the board could connect and take pride in. It highlighted women's courage, passion, and the power to enlighten about cardiovascular disease and the importance of heart health education.

Distinguished ambassadors, both women and men from the business community and regional civic circles, showcased their leadership and participation. Their commitment was pivotal in rallying support to increase survivors, fuel research, and bolster prevention initiatives. Such efforts are crucial in enabling more family members to stay together, thereby lessening the impact of heart disease and stroke.

A notable change in the Gala's program saw Jeanick Fournier, the 2022 Canada’s Got Talent winner, stepping in for Roch Voisine, who could not perform due to health reasons. Fournier's angelic voice and profound talent not only entertained but also deeply contributed to the Gala's cause, echoing the event's core values of solidarity and support.

Event organizer Jo-Anne Swanson, a heart attack survivor herself, has been a long-standing advocate for this cause. She emphasized the unique health risks women face due to biological differences from men. "Women’s bodies are different from men’s, and due to biological differences, women face separate risk factors. As a heart attack survivor myself, it was crucial for me to support research on women's cardiovascular disease to combat health inequalities," Swanson shared. Her dedication underscores the urgent need for focused research and awareness to address the health disparities affecting women.

Michelle Brisebois, Principal Vice President, Quebec, at the Heart & Stroke Foundation, expressed profound appreciation for the dedication and support from Swanson and the Red Dress Gala ambassadors. "We are extremely grateful to Jo-Anne Swanson and the Red Dress Gala ambassadors for their generosity and support. Their ongoing commitment significantly contributes to our fight against health inequality, helping to save more women's lives. We thank them for making Heart & Stroke their charity of choice," Brisebois noted.

The event was further supported by notable figures such as Jean-Pierre Poulin, founder and president of Devcore, who served as the honorary president and major partner, enhancing the Gala's impact through their generosity.

The Gala, thus, not only focused on raising funds and awareness for heart and stroke-related causes but also promised an unforgettable experience with Fournier's dynamic performance. It brought to light the fact that heart disease and stroke are leading causes of premature death among women, stressing the importance of lifestyle changes for risk reduction.

As the Gala Robe Rouge looks to the future, the message remains clear: it's time to end the preventable deaths of women from cardiovascular disease. With community support, the campaign against heart disease and stroke forges ahead, aiming to save more lives and create a new generation of survivors. For more details on the Gala Robe Rouge and how to contribute to the cause, please visit www.roberougegatineau.com.

Photo caption: The 10th annual Red Dress Gala in Gatineau, taking place on February 3rd, broke fundraising records with a remarkable $103,000 raised for the Heart & Stroke Foundation, representing a significant stride in the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Photo credit: Catherine Perras