November is considered Diabetes Awareness Month, but many canvassers prefer to avoid the harsh weather of November and begin canvassing in October after Thanksgiving.
Three hundred canvass kits are prepared by volunteers at the North Perth – North Wellington Branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) in Harriston.
The volunteers are awaiting a call from former canvassers and those who would like to try canvassing or students who need volunteer credits at area high schools.
Canvass convenor Alice Van Ankum is looking for canvassers to greet neighbours on their street, knock on their door, and ask for a donation to continue the good work of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
No matter where you live in the branch area, Van Ankum can help find a street, a block, or a rural route to canvass. The Branch covers from Dundalk to Mitchell and Alma to Clifford. The goal is set at $40,000.
Approximately 11 million Canadians live with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Insulin is needed to keep thousands of people alive, but it is not a cure.
Living well and keeping blood glucose levels in the control zone lessens the complications of diabetes.
This year, Alice and George Van Ankum of Drayton are featured on the association’s Canvasser Facts and Tips pamphlet. They have lived with the effects of diabetes for over 53 years and have dedicated their lives to the search for a cure.
For 40 years, they have kept the branch office open to help others cope with their diagnosis.
The Diabetes Information Centre, located at 94B Elora St. S. in Harriston, is open Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30pm. It can be reached at 519-338-3181 or npnw@diabetes.ca.
