Rocco Rossi goes for the top

Heart and Stroke Foundation CEO takes on seven summits challenge

“At the end of February I will take on yet another crazy adventure,” said a smiling Rocco Rossi, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. “This year I will climb the steps of the seven tallest office towers in Toronto five times each, and six times for two of them, amassing a 29,028-foot ascent, equalling the height of Mount Everest. The purpose is to raise over $1 million to fund defibrillators and CPR training in arenas and recreation centres across the province.”
This is a new challenge for Rossi, who in the past successfully faced other such stunts in order to raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“I kayaked solo 490 kilometres from Toronto to Ottawa, cycled solo the 1.900 kilometre length of Yonge Street from Rainy River to Toronto,” remarked Rossi. “This time, I will tackle the ‘7 Summits,’ over three days (February 22-24).
The seven buildings are First Canadian Place, Scotia Plaza, Commerce Court West, Bay-Wellington Tower, TD/Canada Trust Tower, TD Tower in the TD Centre, and Royal Bank Plaza. “On Sunday, February 24, I will have an exclusive group of 100 senior executives join me to complete the seven summits once,” added Rocco Rossi. “All participants are asked to contribute or raise a minimum of $2,500 each.”
Transamerica Life deserves mention for issuing the Transamerica Life Challenge, pledging to match dollar for dollar the first $250,000 that Rocco Rossi raises. “Franco Palladini and the friends of his late father Al Palladini, who died of a heart attack while playing golf in Mexico, are donating $100,000,” anticipated Rocco Rossi. “We need more help to reach our goal.”
According to date from the Heart and Stroke Foundation,every year between 35,000 and 45,000 people suffer a heart attack.Immediate use of a defibrillator can prevent death in 50 percent of the cases.

Publication Date: 2007-12-16
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=7939