Taking it to the Streets in Toronto
Hundreds of employees with the help of thousands of volunteers put in countless hours to ensure the Canadian Diabetes Association fulfills its mission to lead the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Often though, Association employees go above and beyond their weekday obligations and volunteer their time and effort to make an even bigger impact.
On Sunday, May 6th, thirty-nine Canadian Diabetes Association employees will be running in the GoodLife Fitness Toronto marathon with 144 other Team Diabetes team members. The staff will be joining forces to make up five teams in the marathon relay and if they keep up their fundraising pace, they will have raised over $15,000 by the time they get to the start line!
What makes this team even more special is that it’s made up of members who represent different departments and levels of seniority within the Association. Their jobs may be vastly different, but their reasons for signing up are very similar. Here are just a few people who make up the dedicated team.
Michael Jacoby, Coordinator, Team Diabetes
Michael lives with type 1 diabetes and his father has type 2 diabetes so he knows first hand what it’s like to have to manage diabetes 24/7 every day of the year. When invited to be part of the team, he had already made up his mind to sign up so it was an easy yes.
“It’s exciting to challenge yourself and set goals because when you accomplish them I find they are much more rewarding, especially when you are sharing the experience with others. So, I kick started my fundraising early, went out and bought some new running shoes and fully committed myself to the cause and my teammates.”
What he has enjoyed most about his experience with Team Diabetes are the friendships and the connections that he has made with people who are equally passionate about making a difference. They have a running group that trains on Tuesday nights after work and to see the excitement, teamwork and anticipation as they approach race day has been a highlight for him. He said they are constantly finding ways to support each other while having fun!
Walter Kurz, CFO and VP Organizational Excellence
For Walter, both his parents developed type 2 diabetes late in life so he sees the struggle they go through on a daily basis to manage their diabetes. As a senior executive at the Association, he is also well informed on the extent diabetes impacts the daily lives of the literally millions of Canadians living with the disease and those who support them.
“This event is a great opportunity to be part of a team for a good cause that impacts the well being of so many Canadians. Seeing first hand how supportive people are of the Association’s work and my efforts as a member of Team Diabetes has been very impactful.”
When asked why others should sign up for a Team Diabetes event, they both highlighted the difference it can make not only for the individual team members, but for our communities as a whole.
Walter’s reply was pretty straight forward and captures what it’s all about. “Team spirit and to get in shape and look after yourself. Dream BIG....... LEAD, LIVE, CURE!”
Michael echoed his sentiments, “Team Diabetes is a movement that focuses on much more than just getting people to the finish line – it is about building relationships, participating and doing something purposeful in the community. When you combine these ingredients, everyone is a winner.”
Lacing up, fundraising and donning the Team shirt literally enables team members like Walter and Michael to take the diabetes cause to the streets in Toronto. If you aren’t able to walk or run with them on May 6th, Team Diabetes needs volunteers to help man a water station and a cheer station at the event. If you are able to volunteer some of your time, please contact George at .
For more information on how you too can make an impact with Team Diabetes, please visit our website at www.teamdiabetes.ca.