Giving is always in style.
That’s the slogan of Diabetes Canada’s reusable goods donation program, which allows Langley residents to donate their reusable clothing and small household items year-round.
In addition to free residential pick-ups and clothing donation boxes, Diabetes Canada notes that people can donate their reusable goods at a new donation centre located at 20475 Douglas Crescent.
Items accepted at the donation centre include gently used clothing items, shoes, hand bags, towels, linens, and small housewares.
“It is important to us that we not only raise funds for diabetes, but that we do so in a way that makes a positive difference to the environment by diverting items from our landfills — and we’re pleased to offer Langley residents another convenient way to donate to our program,” says Maria Avgerinos, operations manager for Langley with Diabetes Canada’s reusable goods donation program.
Proceeds raised from this program help send 2,500 children and youth with Type 1 diabetes and their families to Diabetes Canada’s D-Camps across Canada including Camp Kakhamela in Gibsons, where kids meet and are inspired by each other to manage their diabetes well with the help of health-care personnel.
Additionally, funds raised have helped fund more than $135 million over the last 40 years in world-leading Canadian research to improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes or prediabetes and to find a cure.
This location is open to accept donations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.
Diabetes Canada’s reusable goods donation program has been reaching millions in Canadian communities since 1985. The program diverts 100 million pounds of clothing and household items from landfill sites annually. Household pickups are free and can be arranged by calling 1-800-505-5525 or by visiting declutter.diabetes.ca.
An epidemic
In Canada, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions — today, 11 million people are living with diabetes or prediabetes, including 1.5 million B.C. residents.
Another Canadian is diagnosed with diabetes every three minutes.
Diabetes increases a person’s risk for many serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure leading to dialysis, and blindness.
About diabetes
The main types of diabetes are:
Type 1 – occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin, a hormone that controls the level of sugar in the blood. The cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown and it is not preventable. It most commonly begins in childhood and occurs when a person’s immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It is found in five to 10 per cent of Canadians with diabetes.
Type 2 – occurs when the pancreas either cannot effectively use or produce enough insulin. The causes of Type 2 diabetes can be genetic, behavioural and/or environmental. It usually develops in adulthood, although more children and adolescents are being diagnosed. It is found in approximately 90 per cent of Canadians living with diabetes.
Prediabetes – occurs when an individual’s blood sugar levels are elevated, but not yet high enough to be Type 2 diabetes. About half of those with prediabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes.
About Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada is the registered national charitable organization, and partners with Canadians to End Diabetes through educational programs and support services; resources for health-care professionals on best practices to care for people with diabetes; advocacy to governments, schools and workplaces; and funding world-leading Canadian research to improve treatments and find a cure.
For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).