VOLUNTEERS CRUCIAL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES

Canadian Diabetes Association thanks its world-class volunteers in recognition of International Volunteer Day

TORONTO, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - International Volunteer Day takes place on December 5 each year and is recognized by the United Nations as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of volunteers in communities around the world.  The Canadian Diabetes Association would like to send a sincere message of gratitude to our community and professional volunteers who generously provide their time to help advance the fight against diabetes.

"The Canadian Diabetes Association would not be able to accomplish its mission without the support of its many community and professional volunteers across Canada," said Michael Cloutier, president and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association.  "Our volunteers are vital in supporting people living with diabetes and we are grateful for the time and expertise they share with us and in the communities they serve."

Through the dedication and commitment of Association volunteers, Canadians affected by diabetes can attend an educational presentation delivered by one of our volunteers, can obtain funding for their test strips based on the advocacy efforts of our volunteer advocacy committees; can receive information on the symptoms to watch for in a child who may develop type 1 diabetes from a healthcare professional who has reviewed our latest Clinical Practice Guidelines theme 'Protecting Mothers and Children' and can benefit from the work of Canadian diabetes researchers who are a step closer to finding a cure thanks to Association volunteers fundraising for research grants.

As a Goodwill Ambassador for the Canadian Diabetes Association, Dan Hill, Toronto-based Grammy and Juno Award-winning musician, knows first-hand why volunteering and holding fundraising events are important in the fight against diabetes.  This past October in Edmonton, Hill headlined a concert where proceeds benefited the Canadian Diabetes Association.

"More than 9 million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes," said Hill.  "As a Goodwill Ambassador for the Canadian Diabetes Association, it is my hope to bring further attention to the disease by sharing my own experiences of living well with type 2 diabetes." 

The Canadian Diabetes Association has a range of volunteer opportunities available in your community.  Visit diabetes.ca/volunteer to learn more about how you can become a volunteer and to complete an online volunteer application form.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association
Today, more than nine million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes. Across the country, the Canadian Diabetes Association is leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our community-based network of supporters help us provide education and services to people living with diabetes, advocate for our cause, break ground towards a cure and translate research into practical applications. For more information, please visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

For further information:

or to schedule an interview, please contact:

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