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Kiwanis Cycles Kilometers for Diabetes hits the road to raise funds and educate kids about diabetes

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

British Columbia—The Kiwanis Cycles Kilometers for Diabetes (KCKD), made up of 15 highly enthused cyclists, has been braving valleys and hills - sometimes with inclinations as high as 14% and blistering temperatures as hot as 40˚C - for eight years in a row. They travel a total of 450 kilometers along the coastline of Vancouver Island, this year starting May 30, for six straight days. To date, their cycling tour has raised over $70,000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association, Vancouver Island Region. Along the way, they will stop at schools to talk about healthy eating and the value of physical activity.

Robin Nadig, an investment advisor with Global Securities Corporation and the project’s creator, has always been a fan of road and mountain cycling. Her connection to diabetes is through her maternal grandfather who had type 1 diabetes, and her father-in-law who has type 2 diabetes. Being a mother to grade 9 daughter Alexx, and seeing first hand the consequences of diabetes, Robin really wants children to grow up healthy and active. “Healthy kids are happier kids and they feel better about themselves,” she says.

“Kiwanis’ mandate is to serve the children of the world. As I learned more about type 2 diabetes and how it is increasing in young children, the project became focused on raising funds and awareness to prevent type 2 diabetes in children,”

During the school stopovers, Robin talks about the dangers of soda pop in particular. The kids are always astounded to learn that there can be as much as 12 tablespoons of sugar in 12 ounces of pop. Several schools on Vancouver Island are eager to hear more from Robin and the KCKD team.

What amazes Robin about the project is the support she receives. “All this time, Kiwanis Cycles Kilometers for Diabetes has received the full support of Kiwanis Clubs in Divisions 15 and 17, which take in all the K Clubs on Vancouver Island and Powell River. I’m also thrilled by the corporate support I received from the Port Alberni businesses, and Erin Lutz and Julie Holder of the Canadian Diabetes Association have also been a great help.”

Louis Charland, a fellow cyclist on the team, adds, “What do people think when they see all these riders with their colourful jackets pedaling single file through town or along the highway? For some, it obviously resonates because, as our group pulled aside along the highway at Qualicum Beach for a much needed rest and lunch, a lady approached us and a personal donation was offered! This made everyone feel good and the heat and dust was forgotten.”

Kiwanis Cycles Kilometers for Diabetes will start their tour this year in Victoria, BC, on Sunday, May 30, at 9:00 a.m. at the Kiwanis Tea House, Oak Bay. Robin and her team aim to raise funds until the end of the tour on Friday, June 4. Interested donors can contact Robin Nadig at (250)723-4970 or rnadig@shaw.ca.

If past corporate and individual donors are any indication of the contributions that KCKD will receive this year, the team will be well supported as they tour the Island changing communities one ride at a time.