A record-setting number of 366 riders from 11 firms within the wealth management sector participated in the recent Toronto Ride for Diabetes Research, raising a historic $168,884.

Teams rode in a ‘Wealth Management Challenge’ to out-pedal, out-sweat and out-fundraise each other. AGF Management Ltd. and its employees led the way by contributing nearly $90,000.

With 24 new companies participating in the sold-out event, the Toronto Ride for Diabetes Research is on its way to raising $2.5 million, which is part of JDRF’s overall national target of $5.6 million.

Over 8,000 riders have participated in Ride for Diabetes Research events across Canada this year. Proceeds from these events go towards funding research to find a cure for Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes that is expected to affect 300,000 Canadians by 2010.

“I’m thrilled with this year’s fundraising results and the support and efforts of every rider who rose to the challenge with their usual team spirit and high energy,” says Judy Goldring, AGF’s executive vice president, chief operating officer and general counsel, who was also co-chair of the 2009 Toronto Ride for Diabetes Research. “As champions of this cause, their commitment and dedication has put us on track to exceed our overall goal of $2.5 million and brings us closer to finding a cure for this devastating disease.”

“On behalf of JDRF, we would like to thank all our riders, volunteers, generous supporters and corporate partners within the business community,” says JDRF Canada President and CEO Andrew McKee. “We appreciate their outstanding participation and leadership and helping us make greater progress in diabetes research. We look forward to out-doing ourselves next year.”

Efforts to raise diabetes awareness continue this month with National Diabetes Awareness Month and World Diabetes Day on Saturday, November 14, a day that marked the birthday of Dr. Frederick Banting, who along with Charles Best, discovered insulin in 1921. This year’s theme celebrates diabetes champions, people who not only live with the disease every day, but also the many individuals, like the JDRF riders, who have contributed in some way to finding a cure.

IE