Annual Report 2010 - JDRF Canada

Len Kerekanich, ABGiving thanks for what you don’t haveLen Kerekanich’s son does not have type 1diabetes, but he could develop the diseaseone day. Len remembers this fact every timehe hears a JDRF Youth Ambassador talk aboutwhat it is like to live with diabetes.“We still don’t know what triggers a child’sautoimmune system to turn against itselfand shut down theirpancreas’ ability toproduce insulin. It canhit anyone, anytime. Asthe father of a youngson, I look at donatingto JDRF as a proactivestep,” Len says.Len first became involved with the Foundation adecade ago, when a business colleague askedhis company, Rotating Right, to donate to a JDRFfundraising event. Attending a corporate breakfastfor the Walk to Cure Diabetes, Len was movedby the various speakers, and especially by thechildren. “The more I listened to their stories andlearned about JDRF, the more I thought this wouldbe a good cause to support,” he remembers.Participating in that first Walk in 2001, Len carriedhis son on his shoulders. Tyrel is now 14 years oldand taller than his dad, but they still walk side-bysideeach year to raise funds for JDRF. Most ofIt can hit anyone, anytime. As the father of ayoung son, I look at donating to JDRF as aproactive step.Len’s staff join them, motivated in part by theoffer of a paid vacation day for the employeewho raises the most funds.JDRF is a big part of Rotating Right. In additionto sponsoring Foundation events, such as theannual golf tournament and curling bonspiel,the company started its own fundraising golftournament for its customers and suppliers fiveyears ago. “Events like our golf tournamentand the barbecues thatwe hold to kick off theWalk are a great way toeducate people aboutdiabetes and raiseawareness of JDRF,”says Len.Len also supports the Gala every year, donatingand bidding on items for the auction, and buyingtables. He even hosted the company Christmasparty at the Gala one year, buying three tablesand inviting all of his staff.Whether he is organizing or participating in anevent, Len is always motivated by the peoplewho have a direct connection to type 1 diabetes.“It is so heartwarming when young children tellyou what it would mean to them to not live withdiabetes, and how much they appreciate yoursupport,” he says. “My commitment to JDRF isrenewed every time I speak to a family who liveswith diabetes.” •