Canvassing door-to-door is beginning to become a thing of the past in many communities, however the dedicated volunteers at the North Perth – North Wellington branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) find it still remains their prime source of income for the organization.
Joe Maloney, regional director for Western Ontario, and Nicole Holder, mission funding co-ordinator in Kitchener-Waterloo, support the volunteers at the branch in Harriston. They all share a common goal to raise money and awareness for the CDA and the nine million Canadians affected by diabetes.
Across Canada, hundreds of canvassers go out to meet and greet neighbours to request a donation. Many people new to the area may have felt hesitant to hand money to a stranger. The CDA encourages anyone with such concerns to call the Diabetes Information Centre at 519-338-3181. Lacking canvassers in some areas, another canvasser may take over a different route.
Local branch chair George Van Ankum, for example, lives in Drayton, but travels the rural routes calling on long-time donors and new prospects. Every dollar raised goes to help research and programs like diabetes camps for children.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can stop by the information office located at 94B Elora St. S. in Harriston Tuesday and Friday afternoons, 1:30 to 4:30pm.
Convenor Alice Van Ankum has expressed appreciation to the 128 canvassers who collected $39,434 throughout the branch area that runs from Dundalk to Mitchell and Alma to Clifford.
Contact the volunteers at npnw@diabetes.ca for further information.
