JDRF Kicks Off Annual JDRF Ride for Diabetes Research Campaign for 2013

TORONTO, May 23, 2013 /CNW/ - JDRF Canada is proud to launch its annual JDRF Ride for Diabetes Research campaign in Toronto on May 24, 2013, to help accelerate the pace of research to cure, better treat, and prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The JDRF Ride Kick Off event in Toronto will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24 at the Design Exchange located at 234 Bay Street, Toronto to inspire more corporate teams and individuals to participate in this year's JDRF Ride at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

After exceeding last year's goal, organizers are targeting $3.25 million for this year at the JDRF Ride in Toronto, with the support of over 1,800 corporate teams, primarily from the wealth management, financial services, securities, real estate, hotel and restaurant industry, as well as legal, insurance and accounting firms.

"It is an honour to be Co-Chair for the 2013 Toronto Ride for the sixth consecutive year," says Judy Goldring, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of AGF Management Limited. "Over the years, I have had the opportunity to watch participation in this event grow, I look forward to surpassing Toronto's goal again at this year's Ride."

Helping to kick off the 2013 Ride Campaign will be the following guest speakers:

• J.P. Savage - Senior Vice-President, Enterprise Technology Management Office, Scotiabank, and National Ride Chair.
• Judy Goldring - Executive Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer, AGF Management Ltd., and Toronto Ride Co-Chair.
• Ron Depaola - Toronto, Regional Manager, JDRF.

"The overwhelming response from the corporate sector shows that awareness for this disease is reaching new heights, and it is never too early to begin fundraising," Goldring added. "This event is a high energy stationary ride that brings together business leaders and employees from across Canada, in support of such a meaningful cause."

T1D is a complex disease that affects the lives of over 300,000 Canadians. This year 21 Canadian cities are participating in the JDRF Ride, which has a national fundraising target of $7.7 million.

The 2013 Toronto Ride takes place on September 26, 2013 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To learn more about the JDRF Ride for Diabetes Research, to register or to pledge a participant go to: jdrf.ca/ride

Media Advisory and Photo Opportunity

Media are invited to attend the kick off:

Friday, May 24, 2013
Design Exchange
234 Bay Street, Toronto
11:00 a.m. to Noon

Photo Opportunity: 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

You will have the opportunity to meet children and adults living with type 1 and hear how finding a cure changes the lives of those affected by the disease and the lives of their families.

About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is now the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF research is to improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal.

Since its founding in 1970 (1974 in Canada), JDRF has awarded more than $1.7 billion (U.S.) to diabetes research. Past JDRF efforts have helped to significantly advance the care of people with this disease, and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered. More than 80 per cent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education and advocacy. For more information, please visit www.jdrf.ca

SOURCE: AGF

For media inquiries please contact:

Sara Marano
JDRF
647-789-2027
[email protected] 

Liana Krmpotic
AGF Management Limited
416-865-4154 
[email protected]