14 January 2019

Vector Lights shine red for Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Appeal

Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge will shine red on 21 and 22 February 2019 in recognition of the more than 186,000 people living with heart disease in New Zealand.

The illumination of the Harbour Bridge will help shine a light on the fact that one in five Kiwis are dying from heart disease and support the importance of the Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Appeal street collection.

Heart Foundation Medical Director Gerry Devlin says getting people to contribute to the fight against heart disease is an important part of its Big Heart Appeal.

The Heart Foundation is New Zealand’s leading independent funder of heart research. Since 1968, it has funded more than $70 million in research and specialist training.

“Funds raised during the Appeal are used to support heart-related research and specialist training for cardiologists.”

“Heart disease is New Zealand’s single biggest killer, claiming the lives of over 6,500 New Zealanders every year – that’s one person every 90 minutes. We are very grateful to Vector Lights for helping us to shine a light on this serious issue.”

Part of a ten-year smart energy partnership between Vector and Auckland Council, Vector Lights is an experience and a destination, giving Aucklanders a focal point for both celebrating and recognising important events like the Big Heart Appeal.

Vector’s Chief Executive Officer, Simon Mackenzie, says Vector is pleased to support such a worthy cause that impacts so many people in Auckland and throughout New Zealand.

“Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge is one of the city’s biggest landmarks, which naturally makes it a great signifier for Aucklanders to not only celebrate good causes, but to also stop and consider social and health issues that can affect us all.”

Key details:

• Dates: Thursday 21 February & Friday 22 February

• Timing: Approximately 8.30 p.m. onwards

Information about Vector Lights, including show times, best viewing points around the city, and extra details, is available at https://vector.co.nz/lights.

Heart Foundation at a glance:

Heart disease is New Zealand’s single biggest killer, claiming the lives of over 6,500 New Zealanders every year – that’s one person every 90 minutes.

The Heart Foundation funds leading-edge research and specialist training for cardiologists, while our education, prevention and support programmes address heart disease head-on in the community.

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