Community Knowledge Centre - Toronto Community Foundation

About this organization

Mission

To lead the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure.

History of Organization

The Canadian Diabetes Association is the largest non-governmental organization in Canada dedicated to fighting diabetes. Founded in 1953 to promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service and advocacy, we are a registered charitable organization with 160 Branches and Chapters nationwide.

The incidence of diabetes among our population is now considered to be of epidemic proportions. The human and economic impact of diabetes is staggering. More than 1,000,000 Ontarians live with the disease - 250,000 in the City of Toronto alone. This point was underscored in the 2009 Vital Signs Report.

We work in communities across the country to eliminate diabetes through our strong nationwide network of volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals, researchers, partners and supporters. Our Diversity Strategy calls for the creation of a culture that is knowledgeable and responsive to the needs and realities of diverse communities, including those that are marginalized and/or at highest risk. Our strategy involves assisting communities to build their capacity to address the growing issues associated with diabetes.

Accolades and Accomplishments

We are a thriving organization, supported by an extensive network of distinguished experts and infield volunteers. We have a presence from coast to coast, and a world-class reputation in advocacy, education and support of leading-edge research. Our proud Canadian legacy of breakthrough discoveries has continued ever since the day insulin was first discovered by Dr. Frederick Banting and the co-founder of our Association, Dr. Charles Best.

Based on years of expertise and evidence, we have developed Clinical Practice Guidelines that serve as the global gold standard for diabetes management and prevention for the disease and its complications. Dr. Best recognized the essential need for ongoing research at the highest levels in order to gain further knowledge about diabetes prevention, treatment and management, ultimately leading to a cure. Upholding our proud heritage, the Association supports research excellence and innovation by funding Canada’s most renowned scientists and physicians in their battle against diabetes. In the struggle against this global epidemic, our expertise is recognized around the world.

Programs

>Camps for Children with Diabetes

Information to the public: The National Contact Centre responds to tens of thousands  of phone and e-mail requests for diabetes-related information.

Community programs, forums and resources:

• Clinical Practice Guidelines: A vital resource for health care professionals, world-wide.
• Expos: Half-day or evening events that educate the public about the prevention and management of diabetes, and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Camps: Summer camps for youth living with diabetes and their families. In 2009, 1,600 participated in the Association’s National Camping Program.
• Diabetes literature: Support to thousands of educators, health care professionals, family members and caregivers.

Education:

• The Learning Series: Educational programs for adults.
• Growing up Well and Cellbertons: Educational programs for school-aged children.

Research: Funding of key diabetes research grants.

Advocacy: Work with governments and policy-makers to ensure recognition of diabetes as one of the most significant public health issues in Canada today.

Camps for Children with Diabetes

For more than fifty years, the Canadian Diabetes Association has successfully operated a diabetes camping program, offering children living with type 1 diabetes the opportunity to experience camp in a safe and educational setting. Over the years, the camping program has expanded to also include:

• Day Camps
• Family Retreats/Camps
• Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Programs
• Alumni Programs

The Association operates 12 camps across Canada with on site medical director, registered nurse and dietician. Programming provides opportunities to learn about balancing food, physical activity and insulin in a safe and fun environment. Activities include sports, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, wilderness survival, horseback riding, archery, mountain biking, pottery, crafts and nature lore. Many children learn to do their own injections while at camp — an important step in empowering them to manage their health. They share experiences with fellow campers and feel completely accepted and “normal.” The camp experience provides support, education and mentorship and raises self ­esteem and confidence. It also establishes lifelong good habits for self­ management.

Approximately 1,600 children and youth (ages 8 -15) attend Association camps each year.

Every summer our camps have waiting lists.

Program Impact

Since 1960, Association camps have been helping approximately 1,600 children with diabetes per year to learn to manage their diabetes in a safe and fun environment.

Toronto's Vital Signs® indicator(s) addressed by Program

“Of the 10 Toronto neighbourhoods with the highest diabetes rates, 70% lack access to parks, schoolyards and recreation centres; 70% have low access to healthy resources, and 100% are low-income.” (Toronto’s Vital Signs®, 2009).

Participant Vignette

“My son came home with a great sense of wellbeing. This camp has definitely touched his soul. Keep up the great work. What a terrific place. My son cried all the way home because he wanted to go back.” Parents of Lucas, age 8.

Participants’ quotes:

1: “I fit in here- everyone is like me!”

2: “My counsellor understands me and my diabetes”

3: “Testing my blood sugar is easier than I thought!”

4: "We’re all learning about food and our blood sugar."

5: “Today I went swimming with my four new friends.”