World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day celebrations

World Diabetes Day was named in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization to address the concerns surrounding the threat of diabetes. It is celebrated annually on November 14th (Dr. Banting’s birthday).

World Diabetes Day is a time to remember the importance of the discovery of insulin, Dr. Banting’s legacy, the history of diabetes and raise awareness for diabetes. It also serves as a reminder that, while insulin has been an incredibly significant and important treatment, we are still on the search for a cure.

Every year Banting House NHS celebrates World Diabetes Day and Dr. Banting’s birthday with tours, a birthday celebration (including cake and other treats, with the carbs counted of course!), reading of selected Dear Dr. Banting letters, the unveiling of new commemorative bricks and more!

a statue of a man in a blue light
Sir Frederick Banting statue lit up in blue
a group of people standing in front of a statue
 
a man and woman standing in blue light
 
a statue of a man standing on a stage with people around it
 
a house with signs on the front porch
Here is Banting House on a previous World Diabetes Day all lit up for the Blue Monument Challenge!
a group of people standing in front of a building
Listening to “Dear Dr. Banting” letters.
a group of people standing outside at night
We had a great turnout!
a group of people standing on a brick path with a light on
The unveiling of the commemorative bricks
a group of people standing outside with flags and a bench
The unveiling of the commemorative bricks

An international celebration

November 14th is recognized internationally as a day to raise awareness about diabetes. Not only will you find Banting House NHS lit up in blue, but some well known sites around the world also light up in blue to show their support.

The importance of place has long been a vital part of Banting House NHS and when it comes to World Diabetes Day it is no different. People from across Canada and beyond travel to Banting House NHS to take part in the World Diabetes Day celebrations. Even more importantly, those who can’t attend in person tune in to the festivities via our Facebook live steams. The 2019 World Diabetes Day live stream had viewers from India, Sweden, Japan, Cuba, the United States, and of course Canada!

a blue statue of a man in a blue light
Sir Frederick G Banting Square, London, Ontario, Canada
a tall tower with blue lights at night
CN Tower, Toronto, Canada
a blue light in the dark
Niagara Falls, Canada
a statue of a man in a blue light
Chris the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
a long shot of a wall
Great Wall in Beijing, China.
a stone building with blue lights
The Coliseum in Rome, Italy
a road leading to a pyramid
Sphinx and Pyramids in Giza, Egypt.
Sydney Opera House with a pointed roof
Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia
a group of people standing in front of a large building
Monumento a la Patria in Merida, Mexico

Commemorative bricks

You can build upon the work of Dr. Banting and write yourself into the story of Banting House NHS, by purchasing a personalized, commemorative brick. Whether you know someone with diabetes, are personally affected, or simply want to advocate for your community’s well being, this opportunity is one that you will not want to miss out on.

Bricks are officially installed and unveiled in the Global Garden – Sir Frederick G. Banting Square every November 14th as part of our World Diabetes Day and Banting’s Birthday celebration.

Until that time, the brick will be made and placed in a temporary exhibit inside the museum. A reminder about the outdoor unveiling will be sent out to all purchasers in the fall. We understand that you may not be able to attend, but do wish to extend the invitation join us.

Order your Brick here or for more information, email banting@diabetes.ca

a man rolling a red blanket on a sidewalk
 
a group of people standing in snow
 
a group of people standing on a sidewalk