Alpha Lodge helps kids enjoy diabetes camp - Camps for Children with Diabetes

Alpha Lodge helps kids enjoy diabetes camp

As a member of the Winnipeg Odd Fellows (Alpha Lodge #92, I.O.O.F.), Art Knight has been the driver and motivator in raising funds to support the campership program in the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Manitoba/Nunavut region. The campership program is a financial assistance program that makes our diabetes camp programs accessible to all children with diabetes.

As past Grand Master of Manitoba and past Grand Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge representing Manitoba, Art became interested in the camp program after being involved with a local diabetes research group. “I approached my Lodge to suggest that we support the Association even further, as we have several members with diabetes. From there, the first donation of $1,500 was made,” he says.

The Odd Fellows is a longstanding service organization and worldwide supporter of children’s camps, so the Association’s campership program was a perfect fit. Helping kids with diabetes go to camp is part of the Odd Fellows’ commitment to service and funding important needs in the community.

“We felt that the camping program was important, not only for the campers to do some of the things that other kids do, but also as a form of respite for the rest of their family. Our initial intent was to assist in minimizing the fees charged to each camper, or alternatively to create a type of scholarship to allow more kids to attend,” says Art.” I believe the Canadian Diabetes Association performs a very important role in our society. I obtain satisfaction in knowing that my Lodge is providing funds to support an important part of the community: our kids.”

Current Grand Master, Trevor Magee, concurs with the support given to the Association’s camps: “I am very impressed with how the Association informs the public about positive lifestyle management for those with diabetes, especially as it pertains to the support of children with the disease. As a result, we felt it was important to support their worthy cause.”

Find out how you can support the 2008 campership program. In Manitoba, call (204) 925-3800, ext. 3. In Saskatchewan, call (306) 584-8445, ext.221, in Regina; (306) 933-1238 in Saskatoon.

© 2009 Canadian Diabetes Association