The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) was founded in 1974 by parents of children with Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. It is the leading charitable fundraiser and advocate of diabetes research in the world and the foundation’s mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.
Once a year, a national series of walks takes place that organizers hope will help achieve that elusive goal. The annual TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes unites communities across Canada to help find a cure for diabetes.
In a recent conversation with Sara Robinson, the fundraising and development co-ordinator with the Moncton Chapter, she described the event as “a fantastic family day that starts at 12 p.m. at the Moncton side of Riverfront Park across from the Blue Cross building.”
Although the forecast for Sunday is looking very promising with a prediction of sunshine and a comfortable 20C, today is only Thursday. Taking into consideration the volatility of the climate, Robinson said the plan in case of heavy rain is to hold the event at Festival Hall on Westmorland Street.
To help spice up the afternoon, the local organizers make sure there is live music on hand and this year is no exception.
“Popular local band Angry Candy is going to be performing for us this year,” Robinson stated.
Seeing as how it is very much a family event, the local co-ordinator enthuses there will be plenty for the kids to do on Sunday.
“Entertainment for the kids includes fantasy castles, a craft tent, face painting and all kinds of stuff.”
She also said there is still time for folks who decide to get involved with the event.
“People who don’t have a lot of time for going out and doing a lot of fundraising but want to join in the walk and make a donation there will be welcomed. Donations will be accepted at the information tent. Enjoy the activities and join in the walk.”
A large part of the walk’s annual success can be attributed to the energy created when individuals who believe in a common goal get together.
“It’s really amazing to see everyone there at the same time. We have over 1,000 participants and once the walk starts it takes so long for everybody to get on the path, so it’s really, really inspiring. People come and they don’t want to leave, they are having so much fun,” she said.
And there is no need to pack a lunch, as a huge barbecue that volunteers from Armour Transport put on will take care of feeding everybody who chooses.
•••
Motorists travelling along Saint George Boulevard these past few days may have noticed a roadside sign at the fire station across from the Centennial Park main entrance promoting a bottle drive for this Saturday. This could be great news for residents who have a knack for accumulating recyclable bottles and have difficulty finding time to actually dispose of them. Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. we are invited to drop off our empties and be part of the Little Wishes Bottle Drive.
Little Wishes is a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children living with cancer during their radiation and chemotherapy treatments. The goal is to grant Little Wishes of fun that help keep spirits high and fill lives with as much joy as possible during such a difficult and stressful time. This is the organization’s first-ever bottle drive so it is prepared to receive all donations of recyclable bottles, whether that means only one or an entire carload.
Little Wishes benefits the child and family by maintaining a sense of normalcy during cancer treatments. Families are given a chance to build deeper connections and have fun at a time when it is desperately needed.
The trials and tribulations of a Metro family are the inspiration behind this effort and details about the charity are available online. According to the littlewishes.ca website, “Funds are used to grant Little Wishes of Fun such as a trip to the zoo, a family movie pass, a string of bowling, a gift certificate to a favourite restaurant or a pass to a local amusement park. Anything to just get out of the house, get their mind off the treatment for a little while.”
* Terry Parker’s column appears daily. Terry owns and operates Entertainment Plus, a mobile disc jockey and entertainment company. He is also morning show co-host on 103.9 MAX FM. Want to contribute to Terry Parker’s People with your questions and comments? Contact Terry at 859-2356 or terryp62@gmail.com or online at www.entertainmentplus.ca
