The Telus Community Walk to Cure Diabetes happens this weekend.
This year’s walk supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada has moved to McGirr Sport Fields, thanks to the McGirr Sports Fields Society, which donated the use of its fields and facilities.
It might only be a three-kilometre walk, but the annual family-oriented outing is more about showing support for the cause, plus there will be plenty of festive activities at the fields, with entertainment by Daisy the Cow, a bouncy castle, face painting, a pancake breakfast and other treats.
“We’re going to walk down McRobb [Avenue], along in front of Dover high school and back up Hammond Bay [Road] and across the school field,” said Jenn Demo, event organizer and a mother of a child with Type 1 diabetes.
So far, it looks like more people will turn out than in years prior.
“I’m looking at about 200 people this year,” Demo said.
Donations are raised throughout the year from community fundraiser events, such as a recent golf tournament at Cottonwood Golf Course and contributions from private donors.
“We’re upwards of $15,000 or $16,000 already,” Demo said.
Nanaimo has raised more than $500,000 since 2001.
The walk happens Sunday (Sept. 28) 8 a.m. to noon. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the walk gets underway at 11 a.m.
Please visit jdrf.ca/walk.