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Newton businesses raise more than $2K for heart research on ‘Big Bike’

It was a token of appreciation to emergency responders who helped save one of their own
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A team of 25 from Newton’s business community helped raised more than $2,000 for heart and stroke research on Tuesday (May 16). (Photo: Submitted)

NEWTON — Twenty-five eager bike riders hopped aboard the “Big Bike” in Newton this week, raising almost $2,300 dollars for the Heart Research Institute.

It was a token of appreciation to emergency responders who helped save one of their own in the local business community.

Spiro Saites of Newton’s Old Surrey Restaurant is a recent survivor of a dramatic heart attack.

“Saites’ story is a great example of why we raised, and need to keep on raising funds for the research of heart and stroke,” states to a release. “Without everyone’s contribution, they would not be able to continue to provide their crucial services within our community.”

Philip Aguirre of the Newton BIA brought together the group of “passionate participants” on Tuesday (May 16) to bring the Big Bike “Tour de Friends” group to life.

As the last riders of the day, riding at 3:45 pm, the team gathered their noise-makers, flower leis, and sped off hooting and hollering for heart and stroke research around the Newton Town Centre.

Described as one of the most “eclectic” teams of the day, Newton BIA and friends came from 13 different businesses around the Newton area.

The group’s name, Tour de Friends, comes from the fact that these businesses ranged from individuals of social service work, the restaurant business, to members of the local RCMP.

Heart Research Institute shows that every seven minutes in Canada, someone dies from heart disease or stroke.

amy.reid@surreynowleader.com

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