Toronto, ON: Faced with reduced revenues by approximately 50 percent since the pandemic began, Diabetes Canada has had to make the difficult decision to downsize its workforce by nearly 40 percent, representing 60 people. All regions and departments have been impacted and at varying levels of positions.
Beyond its devastating health impact, COVID-19 has had a harsh impact on the not-for-profit sector. An Imagine Canada survey shows that nearly three quarters (73%) of Canadian charities report that donations are down. Many charitable organizations have canceled, postponed, or transformed major fundraising events and laid off staff, all while delivering essential programs or services to support the health and well-being of Canadians. Diabetes Canada is no exception, having experienced these challenges as well.
Diabetes Canada took all steps available to reduce its expenses as revenues declined including participating in government economic stimulus programs, but today’s changes were unavoidable. “This has been a very difficult, but necessary decision to make,” said Laura Syron, President and CEO of Diabetes Canada. “Reducing our workforce was made only after every other possibility was considered. It is truly heart-wrenching for me that we need to make these sacrifices to ensure that Diabetes Canada can weather this storm while moving forward to do the hard work needed to support those with, or at risk of, diabetes.”
While the size of Diabetes Canada’s workforce has changed, its vision and mission have not and are more relevant than ever. People living with diabetes are more vulnerable to COVID-19, if contracted. Moreover, individuals who are impacted by COVID-19 and didn’t have diabetes seem to be at risk of developing it afterwards.
“Together, we will move forward to do the hard work needed to deliver our vision to end diabetes,” said Syron. “We are grateful for the support of our existing volunteers, supporters, partners, and donors who we hope will help us to recover and start back on a path of growth.”
Diabetes will continue its crucial work including advocating for policies to improve the health of all Canadians, educating health professionals with expert clinical care guidance, support researchers to find a cure for diabetes and offer programs to help and empower the 11 million Canadians living with, or at risk of, diabetes.
For more information, please contact: Kathleen Powderley, Kathleen.powderley@diabetes.ca, 416-803-5597.