Did you know that heart disease and stroke take one Canadian life every five minutes? At Gwillimdale Farms, we believe that supporting heart health is about more than just awareness; it’s about action. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada to promote wellness through education, community engagement, and simple, healthy habits.
Our commitment to community runs as deep as our roots in the soil. Whether we’re growing nutrient-rich vegetables or supporting wellness initiatives in the workplace, we’re proud to invest in a healthier, more connected future for all Canadians.
Our 2025 Heart Health Initiatives
Lunch & Learn
We launched our Heart & Stroke campaign with an informative and interactive Lunch & Learn session, where a Heart & Stroke representative joined us to:
- Share an educational video on heart health
- Lead a live CPR demonstration
- Host engaging group activities to deepen understanding of cardiovascular wellness
Company Walk
Our annual Company Walk brought the team together for fresh air, fun, and fitness.
- A warm-up station to get everyone moving
- Conversation cards with light prompts to encourage social interaction
- Post-walk refreshments to recharge and refuel
Independent Walking Week
To keep the momentum going, employees were invited to participate in Independent Walking Week a flexible and accessible way to stay active.
Award-Winning Effort
Thanks to our team’s energy and enthusiasm, we were proud to receive this message from the Heart & Stroke Foundation:
“I am writing to thank you for your leadership in guiding your team through another successful Ride for Heart year… Your team’s participation contributed to the Ride for Heart Corporate Health & Wellness Challenge’s success. Collectively, we have raised more than $559,000 to date.
On top of participation and fundraising, your team has also earned the Silver Wheel Award (2nd highest overall fundraising total in your industry category).
CONGRATULATIONS, and thank you once again for your outstanding support of Heart & Stroke and your enthusiastic participation in the Ride for Heart campaign.”
— Sarah Durnan, Corporate Relationship Specialist, Heart & Stroke Foundation
Eat More Veggies, Support a Healthier Heart
One of the simplest ways to support heart health is by eating more root vegetables. Not only are they flavourful and versatile, but they’re also packed with heart-healthy nutrients.
According to Canada’s Food Guide, filling half your plate with vegetables and fruit at each meal can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
How Gwillimdale Vegetables Support Heart Health
At Gwillimdale Farms, our commitment to heart health begins in the soil and continues through every step of our growing, packing, and shipping process. The root vegetables we grow; carrots, beets, onions, potatoes and parsnips are naturally rich in nutrients that play a vital role in supporting cardiovascular wellness. But it’s not just what we grow, it’s how we grow it that makes the difference.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that the body converts to vitamin A. Antioxidants help protect the heart by preventing damage from free radicals and reducing inflammation. Carrots may also help lower cholesterol levels and support overall heart function.
Beets
Beets contain natural nitrates, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and support vascular health. They’re also a good source of fiber, folate, and potassium, key nutrients for a healthy heart. The antioxidants in beets may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both linked to heart disease.
Onions
Onions contain flavonoids and organosulfur compounds, which have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. These compounds may help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve circulation.
Potatoes
Potatoes, when prepared healthily (roasted, boiled, or baked with minimal added salt or fat), are an excellent source of potassium, which helps control blood pressure. They also contain vitamin C, fiber, and resistant starch, which support both heart and digestive health.
Parsnips
Parsnips can offer several benefits for heart health. They are a good source of potassium and fiber, both of which can help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
From Field to Fork: Grown With Purpose
At Gwillimdale Farms, we don’t just grow vegetables, we nurture them with care, using sustainable practices that prioritize soil health, water conservation, and responsible crop rotation. That means you’re not only getting fresh, flavourful produce, but food that’s good for you and good for the planet.
Our produce is washed using a natural ozone system, a chemical-free method that ensures both safety and environmental responsibility. And by maintaining full control of our supply chain, we can guarantee the freshness and quality that your heart and your health deserve.
Let’s Keep Growing Healthy Together
At Gwillimdale Farms, we’re proud to support heart health through fresh, nutritious root vegetables and meaningful community initiatives.
We invite you to join us on this journey:
1. Explore our blogs for more wellness inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories
2. Choose fresh, local vegetables that nourish your heart and support Canadian farming
3. Follow us on social to stay connected with our latest events, tips, and recipes
Together, we’re planting the seeds for a healthier tomorrow.