The Spirit of Giving Carries all Through the Year and Across the Ocean

Written for the Quinzhee Quarterly by Émilie Caron
Image of Émilie Caron running in the Red Deer Marathon

If I had always believed in the goodness of people, this belief was confirmed to me last Spring during a short visit to Red Deer, Alberta.  The foremost goal of my visit was, to my own admittance, quite egocentric: I was coming to run my first marathon, a personal challenge I had set myself to accomplish before rolling over my mid-twenties, a promise that was quickly drawing to an end, less than two weeks to be more exact.

To make a long story short, due to a bus line company strike, I had to quickly make some new friends in a city I had never set foot in before, and some good friends I made…  I was overwhelmed with the generosity of the running community of Red Deer and was left with an overflow of money donations and a very welcomed way back home.

What was I to do with those donations?  I certainly could not use it for my personal spending, that would be a "violation" of the spirit of giving, would it not?  Still quite sore from my first marathon experience, and still in this euphoric state that any outstanding physical experience will leave you in, or naturally drugged-up (i.e. with adrenaline and endorphin) as I like to put it, I made a bold decision: I would run another marathon.  However, this time I would do it for others and would perpetuate the spirit of giving, the generosity I was touched by in Red Deer.

Accordingly, I joined Team Diabetes Canada, a fundraising and fitness team that raises greatly needed funds to support diabetes research, education, services and advocacy.  Each member of Team Diabetes Canada has accepted the challenge of raising a minimum of $6,500 and training for a sporting event ranging from a 3k race to an Ironman Triathlon.  We accept this challenge knowing that the money raised will help fight a growing pandemic, diabetes.

My individual commitment to Team Diabetes Canada is to reduce my personal risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by training to run the Reykjavik Marathon in Iceland, August 2008, and individually raising a minimum of $6,500 for the Canadian Diabetes Association!

You too can help!  I invite you to assist our team by making a donation to my fundraising campaign (I promise there is no running involved).  Any amount that you are able to contribute is greatly appreciated and will bring the Canadian Diabetes Association one step closer towards finding a cure for diabetes.  If you are interested in making a contribution and supporting our cause, please email me at: ecaron@lakeheadu.ca.

Over two million Canadians live with diabetes; one of Canada's leading causes of death by disease.  It is estimated that in Canada at least 13.2 billion dollars are spent annually on treating people with diabetes and its complications, and this number is expected to grow.  With your support a cure can be found.  For more information on Diabetes, or Team Diabetes Canada, please visit the Canadian Diabetes Association website.

I unite my voice with the Team and thank you in advance,

Émilie Caron


This feature article is part of the "Making a Difference" Series that celebrates and shares active local and global ORPT School involvement.  View more about the "Making a Difference" Series.