Chris Klassen from the Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes 2019 (supplied)

By Jordan Davidson (Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow)

fundraising goal of $1.8m

Run, bike, or lift to help Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes

Oct 7, 2021 | 11:55 AM

One of Canada’s top fundraising events is taking place today (Thursday).

For the second straight year, the Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes for JDRF will be a virtual, high-energy corporate fitness event, bringing out the friendly, competitive spirit of Canadians, with the goal of turning type 1 diabetes (T1D) into type none.

JDRF is said to be the leading charitable organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.

There are a number of people participating in this event here in Red Deer, like Chris Klassen.

Klassen is the small business advisor at the Scotiabank Port-O-Call on Gates Avenue and 45 street, and also a diabetic of 29 years. He and his colleagues around Alberta have partnered together to fundraise for the event for the past few years, as a friendly competition between them and also between other financial institutions.

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He says one of the reasons he got involved int the first place, is because of the work JDRF does, which he says has personally helped him live a better life.

“The improvements in medications, in technology, in the transition from needles to an insulin pump. All of these different things, so much of that came from JDRF research.”

Klassen said as of 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning, they have raised over $6500 in central Alberta, and more than $180,000 nationally with Scotiabank.

Chris Klassen and his team from the Sun Life Ride to Defeat Diabetes 2019 (supplied)

This year is particularly special as they commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. While a historic milestone that changed the outcomes for millions of people with diabetes, it remains the only treatment for the disease and is not a cure. That is why JDRF is continuing to pursue the most promising T1D research to move beyond insulin towards cures.

You can help move for a cure by spinning on a stationary bike, stretching with a yoga routine, or breaking a sweat at a fitness class today.

Funds raised will help advance ground-breaking research that are anticipated to make a positive difference for as many as 300,000 Canadians and their families touched by T1D.

Sun Life has been a proud supporter of the Ride since 2017, and in 2019, became the national title sponsor. Sun Life officials say they are committed to supporting the over 422 million people worldwide living with the disease.

For more information on how to donate or get involved, visit www.jdrfride.ca.