Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada (JDRF) will officially kick off its annual Toronto Ride for Diabetes Research campaign on May 26, highlighting the need for more funds and research to continue the impressive advancements that have been made in the search for a cure for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes.

The Toronto Ride Kick Off event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26 at the Design Exchange located at 234 Bay Street, to inspire more corporate teams and individuals to participate in this year’s ride at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

After setting records last year, organizers are targeting $2.75 million for this year for Toronto, with the help of over 1,500 corporate teams, primarily from the wealth management, financial services, securities, real estate, hotel and restaurant industry, as well as legal, insurance and accounting firms.

“Building on the momentum of the 2009 ride, we want the Kick Off event to increase awareness about this worthwhile cause, while inspiring more participants and pledges than last year,” says Judy Goldring, AGF Management Limited executive vice president, chief operating officer and general counsel and co-chair of this year’s Toronto Ride.

“It is also an opportunity to hear first-hand about the advances being made to improve those affected by the disease and find out why the Ride means so much to them and their families.”

Helping to kick-off the 2010 Ride Campaign will be the Olympic rower Chris Jarivs. He will share his experience his experiences living and competing with Juvenile Diabetes.

“JDRF’s goal is to raise funds to help find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research,” Goldring adds. “It’s through events like the Ride that we get one step closer to this goal.”

Type 1 diabetes is a complex disease that affects the lives of over 300,000 Canadians. This year 17 Canadian cities are participating in the Ride, which has a national fundraising target of $6.5 million.

The 2010 Toronto Ride takes place on October 1, 2010 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

To learn more about the JDRF Ride for Research, to register or to pledge a participant go to: jdrfca.donordrive.com.

IE