Victor Garber returning home

Titanic star to help raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Diabetes Association

LONDON, ON, April 20, 2012 /CNW/ - To mark the 30-year milestone of London's best culinary fundraising event, The Meal, the Canadian Diabetes Association welcomes London native Victor Garber as this year's Honourary Chair and special guest.

Best known for his portrayal of Thomas Andrews in the Academy award-winning motion picture Titanic, Garber was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12.  This was two years before his professional career began.  No matter what the role, he refuses to let diabetes take centre stage. "I tell everyone I have diabetes. If I'm doing a play, I make sure the stage manager knows to have a glass of juice ready," says Garber.

He mentions that it's important for people to know how serious diabetes is as it can lead to complications such as blindness and amputation.  He also knows it can be devastating and dramatic for children, as he recalls a similar feeling when he was first diagnosed.  "My heart aches for young kids diagnosed with diabetes.  I want them and their parents to know that they can survive and thrive with this disease."

The Meal takes place on April 22, where a group of talented top chefs from London's finest dining establishments will serve a feast of culinary delights to approximately 350 - 400 foodies in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association.  Over the past 30 years, The Meal has raised more than $1,000,000 to fund research in the fight against diabetes.

"The research is so inspiring, it makes me want to work harder to do everything I can to help," adds Garber.

The fundraiser will be hosted at the London Hilton and tickets have already sold out.  To learn more about ways to live well with diabetes, visit diabetes.ca, call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464) or subscribe to the Association's magazine Diabetes Dialogue (diabetes.ca/dialogue).

About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

Media availability with Victor Garber
Date:  Time: Location:	Sunday, April 22, 2012 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Hilton London  300 King Street London, ON

or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Katie Ostler
Communications Associate, Ontario
Canadian Diabetes Association
T: [phone]
C: [phone]
[email protected]

Randi Garcha
National Manager, Media Relations & External Communications
Canadian Diabetes Association
T: [phone]
C: [phone]
[email protected]