Support the Association at the annual St. John’s Royal Regatta
The St. John’s Regatta is the oldest annual sporting event in North America. With 185 years of history, this summer event includes rowing competition as well as a ‘garden party’ of concession stands, food, and lots of fun along the shores of Quidi Vidi Lake. The Regatta also includes a fundraising booth to support the Newfoundland & Labrador region of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
“It’s a great day with our volunteers, meeting folks from the public and we often hear many stories of families who are also impacted by diabetes,” says Debbie Devereaux, Community Engagement Coordinator, Newfoundland & Labrador office. “Dawn & Ray Gallant and family have been involved in the Regatta since 2000; helping raise well over $100,000 in support of our work and we greatly appreciate the commitment.”
Thanks to the dedication and volunteerism led by the Gallant family of Mount Pearl, the Association receives generous fundraising support from one of the prize wheels that takes place annually at the event. Diabetes is a disease that impacts the Gallant family on a personal level; Ray and Dawn’s daughter Kelly lives with type 1 diabetes and Dawn lives with type 2 diabetes.
“I’m motivated to be involved because it helps me cope as an individual and family living with diabetes,” explains Dawn. “Volunteering and meeting people who face the same challenges that I do offers a support and allows me the opportunity to see others who live very healthy lives with their disease.”
The Gallant family, Association volunteers and staff will be set up at the 2012 Annual St. John’s Regatta. Stop by to say hello and support the Association on Wednesday, August 1st – pending the weather of course!