People were out in full force at the Edmonton Garrison yesterday, taking part in the Telus Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the worldwide leader in funding research to cure Type 1 diabetes, a disease that strikes quickly in children and adults, and lasts a lifetime.
“A lot of people don’t have any idea what it is or what it does,” said volunteer leader Robert Charron.
The goal was to raise $500,000 in Edmonton and $7.6 million across Canada. Last year, $7.5 million was raised nationally.
As participants crossed the finish line, they were greeted with a free hotdog, complimentary beverages and live music from various artists. Volunteers make the event possible and many of them have a personal connection to the cause, such as a family member or friend with the disease.
“We always need volunteers; without them, none of this could happen,” said Chris Bradley, who is on the JDRF board of directors. “This disease affects a lot of people.”
The JDRF organized the event with help from the Edmonton Garrison, which lent its facilities for the walk.
“There are a whole lot of rewards to getting involved,” said Maj. Thomas Lee, military liaison to the JDRF. “Mostly it’s just a great way to pay it forward.”
