The Ontario Lung Association wants you to put your best foot forward at The Great Stomp, literally a “full-bodied” fundraising event held at No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery in the Niagara region Saturday, September 19.

In a race against the clock, teams of four will jump into a vat of ripened grapes and stomp, squish and stickhandle their way to winning by producing the most grape juice within an allotted time.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ontario Lung Association’s lung health programs that help people of all ages with breathing problems in the Niagara Region.

“We want folks to roll up their pants and work their way to purple feet at The Great Stomp,” says Walter Gretzky, Honourary Event Chair.   “Lung disease is very important to the Gretzky family and we are pleased to host this fun and unusual fundraising event that is sure to get everyone chuckling as we raise money for a very important cause.”  Members of the Hamilton Tiger Cats may also find themselves breathless as they tackle the juicy challenge and cheer on participants.

Companies too are encouraged to go from “good to grape” as The Great Stomp offers a fun, team-building opportunity for staff in the picturesque setting of the No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Winery.  The event also features wine tastings of Gretzky’s finest vintages, food samplings, tours of the estate, entertainment and much more.

For a growing number of Canadians, the simple act of breathing is becoming more and more difficult:

• Asthma rates continue to climb.
• The incidence and prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is rising at an alarming rate, especially among women
• Our environment, and, in particular, air quality, is a leading public concern
• And tobacco use – although on a modest decline – remains this country’s number one preventable cause of death

The Ontario Lung Association offers quality information when people need it the most.  Consumers looking for information about asthma, allergies, COPD or tips on how to quit smoking can call 1-888-344-LUNG (5864) and speak to a certified respiratory educator.  All products and services are free of charge to Ontario residents.

To register a team or to pledge a team member, visit  www.on.lung.ca or call our Niagara office of the Ontario Lung Association at 1-800-790-5527.

Media inquiries:
Barbara Hickey, 905-358-5077, bhickey@on.lung.ca