At New River Electrical, we have a lot of heart for ensuring our employees and community live their best, healthiest lives.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, accounting for over 700,000 deaths each year. And in an industry that requires hard labor in grueling environments, workers are especially vulnerable. That’s why we’ve been active participants in the Roanoke Regional Heart Walk, supporting the American Heart Association since 2008.
Held each October, we walk to raise funding and save lives. Contributions help fund critical research and provide resources that promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles, preventing cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Looking Back: 2024 Heart Walk
Last year, we partnered with the Salem Red Sox for the cause, donating $25 per walk by a Salem Red Sox player at home games, raising $6,500 for the American Heart Association.
Between this partnership and other fundraising initiatives, we were able to contribute a total of $37,485.54 for 2024.
Year-Round Heart Health Education
Our dedication to heart health isn’t confined to the annual Heart Walk.
We also provide ongoing education with our internal teams to ensure they understand the importance of heart health and are equipped with the information they need to have better lifestyle habits.
On February 7, we hosted Virginia Tech dietician Abby Brewer to celebrate Heart Month and raise awareness for our 2025 Heart Walk initiative. With a packed, standing-room-only session, we discussed:
- Heart-healthy eating with specific meal options
- How to read nutritional labels
- Target nutritional values to look for while food shopping
Virginia Tech dietician Abby Brewer presenting during NRE’s Wear Red Day Lunch & Learn.
A Heart-felt Story from One of Our Own
For one New River Electrical employee, heart disease isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reality that has shaped her family’s story. She shared her personal experiences at the luncheon.
“It starts way back with my grandma,” she shared. “Then my dad—he had a leaky valve and needed a quadruple bypass. It was a big surgery, but he came through like a champ.”
Then came her aunt’s AFib diagnosis, and not long after, an even scarier moment—her mother’s sudden heart episode. “She had no history of heart problems. She wasn’t feeling well, went to the ER, and they told her she was a perfect black widow case. She could have laid down and never woken up.”
That moment changed everything. As a mother herself, she knew she had to prioritize her health.
“I needed to take care of myself for my daughter and my husband,” she said. The first step? Healthier choices.
“I’m not perfect at it—no one is—but every choice matters. I could pick up that cookie, or I could pick up an apple. It’s my decision, and I want to make the right one.”
Her renewed commitment to heart health inspired her to get involved with the American Heart Association and the Heart Walk.
Starting Strong for the 2025 Fundraising Year
Led by team coach Kimberly Wilburn, we’ve already started raising money for the 2025 Roanoke Regional Heart and Stroke Walk scheduled for October 25th, 2025. With a strong start, we’ve already raised $4,660 by the end of Heart Month.
NRE team members at the Wear Red Day Lunch & Learn.
How to Get Involved
We invite companies and individuals to join us in this long-standing tradition. Whether you walk or donate, your involvement can make a significant impact.
For those interested in participating or contributing to our fundraising initiatives, you’ve got options:
- Sign up to participate in the 2025 Roanoke Regional Heart & Stroke Walk
- Donate directly through our donation page
And if you want to start taking care of your own heart health, consider these tips:
- Eat more fiber, whole grains, unsaturated fats, and lean protein
- Eat less saturated fats, refined sugars, sodium, processed foods
- Read nutrition labels closely
- Quit smoking
- Manage stress
- Stay active
Learn more about New River Electrical’s community involvement initiatives.
