Every summer, 1,600 children and youth from across Canada participate in the Diabetes Canada D-Camps program. These camps for children living with type 1 diabetes are a place where everyone ‘gets’ type 1 diabetes and nobody feels different.
The D-Camps program relies on the generous donations of individuals and corporations for everything from medical supplies and subsidized fees for those in need. Many health-care professionals and students also donate their time.
Ascensia Diabetes Care is a donor to the D-Camps program, providing $155,000 in medical supplies annually for the self-management of blood glucose (sugar) for D-Campers.
In addition, Ascensia has donated an additional $10,000 as part of their Light it up campaign, which features hockey star Max Domi of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, who lives with type 1 diabetes. The campaign is focused on raising awareness and helping Canadians better manage their diabetes. Domi is working with Ascensia on this campaign, sharing his story to inspire and educate Canadians on what it is like to live with type 1 diabetes.
On August 25, Domi paid a surprise visit to the D-Camps program’s Camp Discovery, outside of London, ON, to inspire the campers—and play a game of road hockey with them. You can see photos of his visit on our Facebook page.
“We truly appreciate everything Ascensia is doing to support the D-Camps program and our campers. We are fortunate to have such a committed partner to help us inspire youth with type 1 diabetes to live as well as possible and to remind them that they can still achieve their dreams,” said Mary Ann Azzarello, senior leader, fund development with Diabetes Canada.
Donations to support the D-Camps program can be made here.
About Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada is the registered national charitable organization that is making the invisible epidemic of diabetes visible and urgent. Diabetes Canada partners with Canadians to End Diabetes through:
- Resources for health care professionals on best practices to care for people with diabetes;
- Advocacy to governments, schools and workplaces; and
- Funding world-leading Canadian research to improve treatments and find a cure.
For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).