Kelowna

Photo: Contributed

Red Dress Kelowna

Canada’s biggest heart health advocates hope the debut of a unique fashion in Kelowna in November will alert women to the facts of heart disease.

Heart disease and stroke are not just problems for men, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. It plans to get this message across to women in the Okanagan through a “Red Dress” fashion show, modeled after a celebrity fashion show in Toronto and other cities.

“It really is just to celebrate women’s heart health,” says Joanne King, foundation area manager.

“People don’t think of heart and stroke as a women’s disease.”

Heart disease and stroke is the foremost cause of death of women in Canada, according to the foundation, more than all cancers combined.

The Red Dress fashion show will take place at Bottega in southeast Kelowna, starting at 7 p.m. Nov. 3.

The even will feature the red dress as representing women’s courage and passion and their power for change as they share the truth with others and raise awareness about the importance of heart health.

“There are so many women right here in the Okanagan that have been affected by heart disease and stroke,” says King. “In fact, all 20 of the models will be women that have been affected by the disease, including Frakas Boutique owner Colleen Becker, who had a stroke at the age of 22.”

“If you see the signs of stroke, don’t ignore them,” warns Becker. “Just because you don’t think you look or feel like someone who is at risk for a stroke, believe me, it can happen to you.”

The evening will include wine, food, and music as well as the testimony of stroke survivor Sarah Williams, a clothing storeowner in Kelowna. Williams also had a stroke in her 20s.

Tickets can be purchased at the Heart and Stroke office on Sutherland, The View Winery, Frakas Boutique, Bella Clothing Boutique, or by phoning 250-860-6275.