Every year for over 35 years, the volunteers at the North Perth – North Wellington Branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association have been calling on people throughout the area to canvass and raise funds during the annual November appeal.
Each year, they mention that students could sign up, get a canvass kit, and head out to ask for donations from their friends and neighbours on a street or rural route. Ten-year-old Matthew Scheele wrote a story for a Grade 6 class project. He is the grandson of George Van Ankum, the chairman of the branch in Harriston.
Matthew’s story begins: “Imagine if insulin was never discovered. Then lots of people with diabetes would die.
“After World War I was over, Banting studied orthopedic medicine. After researching the pancreas, he was determined to find a treatment for diabetes … Dr. Banting joined up with C.H. Best, J.J.R. Macleod, and J.B. Collip who helped discover insulin.
“I am thankful God gave Banting the ability to discover insulin. Jeremiah 29:11 says, ‘for I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.’ Banting’s discovery gives people with diabetes a future and a hope.
“My Grandpa has had diabetes for 53 years and without Banting’s discovery, he wouldn’t be here today.
“All in all, I think Sir Frederick Banting was a great man,” Matthew concludes.
Anyone interested in helping out with the local diabetes canvas is encouraged to call Alice Van Ankum at the branch office in Harriston at 519-338-3181.
