NEEDS HEADLINE
YMCA OF THREE RIVERS
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Equitable access to all has been a pillar of the YMCA’s work since its inception. A $50,000 donation from Sun Life, is helping local Ys ensure this continues in their innovative Diabetes Fit programming.
Available for free, Diabetes Fit is geared towards helping people with Type 2 Diabetes – or for people at high risk of developing diabetes – to live healthier lives. While this disease doesn’t discriminate across ethnicity, race, or gender, research shows there is a higher propensity of Type 2 Diabetes among individuals within at-risk groups, including multi-cultural communities. With Sun Life’s transformational $50,000 gift, equitable access and support for all individuals in Midwestern Ontario, living with this chronic condition, can manage their diagnosis through this free weekly exercise and healthy living program.
“Diabetes and prediabetes is one of the fastest growing health challenges of our time, affecting 11.5 million Canadians. With the number of people impacted growing every year, it is important to invest in programs that have a lasting impact and help people take charge of their health,” said Dave Jones, President, Sun Life Health. “Since 2012, we have proudly committed more than $42 million globally in support of diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives. Supporting the YMCA and their Diabetes Fit program is one way we are making a difference for people affected by diabetes and helping them live healthier lives.”
Through this FREE 12-week program, participants build movement confidence, increase nutrition knowledge, grow their support system, and get active. Having the funds to reach out to higher risk populations in our region will be instrumental in growing knowledge of this innovative outreach, while also directly impacting the health and well-being of a larger demographic.
“We’re grateful for Sun Life’s support of Diabetes Fit, and for their understanding of the existing gaps in services for particular populations in our region,” says program lead Crystal Hughes. “This funding will ensure that we can continue to offer virtual and in-person programming to those who may otherwise not have access to it.”
Diabetes Fit is one of a number of Health Management programs offered at the YMCA of Three Rivers as part of their charitable outreach in the community. You can learn more at https://www.ymcacambridgekw.ca/en/health-fitness-aquatics/ark/Health-Management.asp.
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