Featured Fundraiser

Eight-Year-Old Jackson Raised "Dollars for Diabetes"
Jackson Holmquist
Wynyard, SK

With the hope of raising diabetes awareness and funds, eight year-old Jackson Holmquist from Wynyard, Saskatchewan, hosted a “Dollars for Diabetes” BBQ and activity day in support of last year’s Diabetes Summer Surge campaign.

On August 11, 2009, Wynyard residents and visitors joined Jackson and his family and friends at the Wynyard Sports Ground. The day consisted of a few short presentations about diabetes, and families brought a picnic lunch, cooked their own hot dogs and hamburgers and enjoyed games of beach volleyball, horseshoes and much more.

Since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Jackson remains very active and energetic. "He’s into hockey, baseball, soccer… and now golf," said his father, Todd Holmquist. “We made it into a Diabetes Summer Surge challenge for Jackson. For every 10 dollars he raised in donations for the Diabetes Summer Surge – all going to the Canadian Diabetes Association - I personally paid him a dollar."

When the Holmquists first heard about the Diabetes Summer Surge, they decided that rallying their friends, family and community together with a fun-filled event was a natural fit.

Jackson is an inspiration as he exceeded his fundraising goal and raised over $2,600 in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association.