JDRF to host pedaling challenge for diabetes research

Bay Street, it's that time of year again. Get ready to lace up your running shoes and ride your way past the competition. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's pedaling challenge is returning to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on September 9, 2011 and it's never too early to start raising money and registering your team.

"Finding a cure for diabetes is our mission," said Andrew McKee, President and CEO of JDRF. "The enthusiasm from the participants every year is what makes this event so successful and brings us one step closer to reaching that finish line."

"Each year participants look forward to getting out with their teammates and getting active for a great cause," said Judy Goldring, Co-Chair of the Toronto Ride, and Executive Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of AGF Management Limited. "Building on the momentum of the 2010 ride, we hope to increase awareness and inspire more participants and pledges than last year."

In 2010, the investment management sector raised a record $232,156 for JDRF, contributing to Toronto Ride's total of nearly $3 million. Of that, AGF Management and employees donated over $106,000.

After setting records last year, organizers are targeting $3.1 million for this year in 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.

"We encourage all previous riders and new riders to join us in September," said Goldring. "It is a friendly competition among those in various sectors to see who can raise the most money and as a result of that rivalry, JDRF comes out the winner every time."

Across Canada, the ride raised over $7.1 million for diabetes research. The national goal for 2011 is $7.5 million.

Over three million Canadians live with some form of diabetes and that number is steadily increasing. Every year it costs the Canadian economy more than $17.4 billion.