Need the wheels buffed up on your tractor, sir?
Just when you thought you have heard of every possible way to fundraise, a Team Diabetes participant comes up with another unique idea! Betty Sigfusson has done everything from tractor detailing (yes, you read correctly, tractor detailing) to selling puffed wheat cake to raise thousands of dollars for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and enjoyment of coming up with new fundraising ideas has already taken her to Reykjavik twice, Dublin and Australia. Now she is preparing and fundraising for her next Team Diabetes adventure – Cayman Islands in December!
So what inspired Betty to first sign up for Team Diabetes? Iceland, a country that has caught the imagination of hundreds of Team Diabetes participants. Like many before and after her, Reykjavik drew her in but it’s the feeling of accomplishment, camaraderie and knowing she is supporting a family member and others with diabetes that keeps her coming back.
Not sure she could raise the money and wondering why she would even walk a full or half marathon, she threw any inkling of doubt aside so that she could visit Iceland, the land of her husband’s ancestors and a country that fascinated her. She discovered that Team Diabetes would make all the travel arrangements and figured why not contribute to a worthy cause at the same time!
She signed up and started walking with 5 other women who were also training for the half marathon. They crossed the finish line in Reykjavik together carrying Canadian flags and singing. Their picture was featured on Reykjavik Marathon pamphlet the following year (2005). The feeling of accomplishment was unbelievable and Betty couldn’t wait to sign up for the next one. She was so eager that at the airport on the way home, she decided “Dublin 2006”. At the time she didn’t realize there is no half marathon in Dublin. Too late, already signed up and she wasn’t about to back out!
Training this time was more difficult as she was walking solo but she kept repeating her mantra “I think I can! I think I can!” About 5 miles into the marathon she met a 64 year old Dubliner who said if it wasn’t for Betty, she would not have made it to the finish line. Little does she know if it had not been for her, Betty may still be wandering the streets of Dublin! Betty was sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers with a card that read “To My Walking Angel” just before the Victory Dinner. Betty told her story and read the note at the dinner, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. They still keep in touch and she has invited Betty to come visit – but with the caveat of no marathon this time.
Marathon number three saw her back in Iceland and she walked the half again, this time with a participant from Thunder Bay. They got along so well they went sightseeing together too, creating more great memories.
You would think this would have satisfied her need for adventure, but not Betty. Australia caught her eye and before she knew it, she was down under. An injury sidetracked her training and meant she would need to walk the 10K this time around. She also crossed two things off her bucket list while there - riding a camel and ski diving!
It’s a good thing Team Diabetes offers a variety of great events as she is now in full swing for number five – Cayman Islands! This time she has recruited a friend to share yet another unforgettable experience with. It seems nothing will slow this diabetes champion down.
Not only has Betty come a long way since her first event, so have her friends and family. Their initial reaction of “Who’s doing a marathon where?” has been replaced with asking her where her next marathon is, knowing that her adventurous personality, commitment and creativity will see yet more money raised in the fight against diabetes and personal goals achieved.