While diabetes education and awareness are an important part of Jean Cole’s volunteer work with the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Nova Scotia resident recognized the need to lend a hand as part of the 2010 Diabetes Summer Surge campaign.
“Raising money to support the work of the Association is the only way we will find a cure,” says Jean.
Because both Jean and her husband Michael live with diabetes, Jean takes steps to become more aware about diabetes and self-management. Jean and five others were the recipients of the Association’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 2010 due to outstanding support for bringing diabetes awareness to the community. The volunteer group has coordinated diabetes education events in their community.
“Through my involvement with the Association I have become more educated about serious complications such as eye disease and the need for proper foot care,” says Jean.
Though Jean admits to not being a fundraiser, she thought a Diabetes Summer Surge yard sale would be a great way to support the campaign and do her part to raise money. The 70-year-old solicited support from her friends and neighbours who had many iitems to donate to her sale.
“There’s a social aspect that goes along with yard sales and it allows you to get to know your neighbours.”
