The Canadian Diabetes Association is looking for a few good volunteers as their annual May fundraising campaign returns to the South Okanagan.
“We haven’t done it in a few years in the Southern Interior, so we are starting it up again,” said local spokesperson Lynn Kelsey. “It’s an annual event to raise funds for, and provide information regarding, diabetes.”
Kelsey said they are looking for volunteers who can canvass in their neighbourhood to about 20 to 30 homes. Or they can take a kit and canvass at their workplace, or amongst their family and friends.
But it does need to be co-ordinated, said Kelsey, to avoid too many canvassing the same area. Volunteers can sign up by calling the Diabetes Association office at 1-888-628-9494 or emailing cheryl.stone@diabetes.ca with “residential campaign” in the subject line.
“The opportunity is also available for students to get a letter regarding their volunteers hours so if they are in the leadership program, they can use it towards that or they can have this nice letter from CDA recognizing their volunteer hours to put on their resumes,” said Kelsey.
Funds that are raised in the area stay in the area, according to Kelsey, explaining the focus is on research, education and support, as well as helping send kids who are living with diabetes to camp.
“CDA is one of the leaders in the world in regards to diabetes research. Their clinical practice guidelines are produced every five years and are recognized internationally as the A standard,” said Kelsey. The goal is to have a cure, but the association also works on developing best practices for managing the condition so that people can live a healthy life even with diabetes.
“I do a lot of training with the CDA and I am available to go out and speak to local groups about what is diabetes and living well with diabetes,” said Kelsey.