Pete's Gift for Life

2nd Annual

Pete's Gift For Life

Golf Tournament

in memory of Peter Koonings

Friday, September 26, 2003

We’re asking your support to help save lives.

Did you know that Toronto has one of the fastest Emergency Response services in North America? Six to eight minutes. But, if you’ve suffered sudden cardiac arrest, that’s 2-4 minutes too late. If you’re not shocked with a defibrillator within four minutes, your chances of survival decrease with every second that passes. Between 15-20% of all 911 calls involve sudden cardiac arrest.

That’s what happened to my husband Peter Koonings two years ago - while playing his passion – hockey, with his SHL league at Bill Bolton arena. Peter was 42 and like many victims of sudden cardiac arrest, did not show any early warnings. You can be healthy, an athlete even, and suffer sudden cardiac arrest. It’s caused by an arrhythmia, a short circuit in your heart’s electrical system that causes it to flutter wildly. Without a shock, you will lose your pulse, your consciousness and you’ll stop breathing. Chances are, you’ll never recover.

While defibrillators are available in some public gathering places, it’s not enough. Our goal is too install a defibrillator in all hockey arenas across Ontario. They cost $5,000 each and are so simple to use that any person can operate one. And they save lives.

Think about it next time you or someone you care for is on the ice.

In the meantime, join us for a game of golf. You’ll meet some great people, have an evening of dining and have a chance to win some great prizes. Or if you can’t make it, donations can also be made.

Thank you in advance for your generous support,

Tina Koonings

Pete’s Gift for Life 92 Mortimer Avenue, Toronto, ON M4K 2A1 (416) 424-1220

2nd Annual