10th annual North Bay JDRF Walk raises $45,000

The rain drops held off long enough Sunday for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to raise $45,000 during the 10th annual North Bay JDRF Walk.

JDRF is a charitable organization and advocate of Type 1 Diabetes. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. The money raised will go towards helping find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.

According to Denise Stanley, JDRF Walk Coordinator, the walk wasn’t just about raising money. It’s also about having fun.

“The money’s great but I like to see people really having some fun. We brought in a spirit award that will be awarded to the team that shows the most spirit and enthusiasm,” Stanley said.

A safari of around 400 people gathered at Lee Park not to hunt animals but to hunt down a cure for diabetes. The theme of the walk this year was Safari ‘Go Wild’. Many people were dressed in safari clothing and armed with pure determination to find a cure.

Marley Shillington (9), Student Ambassador with JDRF, was excited that so many people were showing up at the event.

“I think it’s very important to raise money,” she said with a big smile.

A number of different activities were on site for kids to enjoy. Face painting , clowns making balloon animals, a bird house building workshop put on by Home Depot were just a few of the things people had the chance to take advantage of.

“Everyone is coming out to raise funds for important diabetes research so let us do something for you,” Stanley said regarding all the activities.
In 2006, JDRF provided $6.3 million to diabetes research in Canada, and is responsible for more than $1 billion in direct funding worldwide since it was founded.

Stanley explained that the whole event couldn’t be possible without the help of so many volunteers. She said there were around 40 volunteers all helping to make the event go smoothly.

Debbie Johnston, A JDRF Volunteer, said that she always gets personal gratification out of helping with events like this.

“When you stop and think about the all the kids who are struggling and they can’t go out and do what the other kids are doing it gets a little upsetting,” Johnston said.

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota, and Nipissing MPP Monique Smith, were both at the event to show their support.

“Every year I come out it seems like there are more and more people here and I guess what we are all waiting for is the day when we don’t have to come out,” Rota said referring to the hope of one day finding a cure.

“This is such an important event. It’s so great that we’re making this fun and it’s a great family event,” Smith said.

Stanley says anyone who had collected pledges and was unable to attend the walk us asked to get pledges submitted as quickly as possible. The local office can be contacted at 752-2637.

“Thank you to everyone who came out to support and thanks so much to the volunteers who helped to make Sunday a fantastic day,” she adds.