AGF Funds Inc. surpassed its original fundraising goal and contributed a whopping $92,902 towards the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s 2008 Ride for Diabetes Research, the fund company said Tuesday.

This past September, over 370 enthusiastic and high-energy riders from eight mutual fund companies took part in the JDRF’s Mutual Fund Challenge held at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto raising a total of $148,867, a 35% increase from 2007.

“Hats off to each and every rider who came with their team spirit and competitive passion in full throttle,” said Judy Goldring, AGF’s general counsel and senior vp, law and corporate affairs, who has chaired the firm’s JDRF Campaign since 2003. “Their commitment helps fund important research, bringing us that much closer to finding a cure for this devastating disease.”

“Once again, we’re thrilled with the mutual fund industry’s generosity and support for JDRF’s Ride for Diabetes Research,” said JDRF Canada president and CEO Andrew McKee. “We’re also delighted to welcome Judy Goldring as co-chair of our 2009 Ride for Diabetes Research.”

In 2007, JDRF Canada provided $8 million to diabetes research. Worldwide, JDRF is responsible for more than $1.2 billion in direct funding.

IE