A Fun Way to Support Canadians Living with Diabetes!
Today's guest blog was submitted by Lindsay O'Donnell, Team Diabetes Coordinator, Canadian Diabetes Association
When I started working as the Team Diabetes Coordinator for BC at the Canadian Diabetes Association, I had no idea how much I would be inspired by its team members.
Team Diabetes is a fundraising program where people can walk, run, hike, or bike in events in BC, across Canada or around the world. By signing up with Team Diabetes, you will be committing to fundraising a minimum amount to support Canadians living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, diabetes advocacy work, and research for a cure.
For local BC events like the Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K or the GranFondo, as a member of Team Diabetes you will receive a Team D running/cycling jersey, fundraising support, free event entry, and a welcome at the finish line!
Iceland, Brazil, and the Cayman Islands are included in 2012 Team Diabetes events with airfare, accommodations, event fees, and online running training included when a fundraising minimum is met. What better incentive to improve your strength and stamina than by training to run a half marathon in the Cayman Islands!
Team Diabetes members are an invaluable part of the Canadian Diabetes Association, raising over $30 million since the year 2000. They regularly increase diabetes awareness, bring in new donors, and improve their own health in the process.
Everyone who signs up has their own unique story. I’ve met people who joined to improve their own health, challenge themselves, support or honour a loved one, or because they simply wanted to support the work of Canadian Diabetes Association.
Team Diabetes alumni have told us that they continue to wear their team jerseys in different events because so many people recognize the logo and want to offer them a pat on the back or high five.
With over 9 million Canadians living with diabetes or pre-diabetes it’s likely that the disease affects us in some way, Team Diabetes is a positive way to not only support those people but promote a healthy lifestyle that can prevent the onset diabetes.
To learn more about Team Diabetes and its events, email Lindsay at lindsay.odonnell(at)diabetes.ca or request more information at www.teamdiabetes.ca
November 2011
