$110,800 OTF Capital Grant Makes a Splash with I Challenge Diabetes

BARRIE, Ontario - Dec. 13, 2023 - PRLog -- Coldwater, ON: On Friday, I Challenge Diabetes (ICD) was pleased to share the impact of the one-year, $110,800 Capital grant it received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) last year to help it meet an increased demand for its programming at Sugar Valley Farm, at a time when third-party venues and partners in the outdoor education space have closed their doors. Heather Breckles, an OTF volunteer, was there to hear more about the long-term impact of the grant.

"Programs like I Challenge Diabetes offer youth the opportunity to feel accepted and understood in a welcoming community of their peers," said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte. "Having programs like these, which allow children and teens to feel seen and heard can have positive long-term effects on their mental health and self-worth. I am so grateful to see a program like this thriving in our community."

Funds from the grant were used to purchase of eight canoes, a canoe trailer and passenger van thtat will enable ICD to increase access to its programs, remove financial barriers to participation, and enhance delivery of inclusive, quality, active programming in Simcoe County.

Youth living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) experience social stigma and isolation due to the disease. Paired with devastating mental health outcomes associated with COVID-19, current research shows they have a higher incidence of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. (Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines) I Challenge Diabetes' programs fill the gap between clinic appointments, provide social connection, empowerment and peer support.

"One thing we value most at ICD is community. Connecting with others living with similar challenges and acknowledging those who offer us support is key to thriving as a whole," said Chris Jarvis, Executive Director and Founder, ICD.

About I Challenge Diabetes: I Challenge Diabetes (http://www.ichallengediabetes.org/) was founded in 2007 by former Canadian Olympian Chris Jarvis. Jarvis rowed for Team Canada, and won gold in the Pan-Am games. Diagnosed at age 14, he overcame many barriers to success throughout his high school, university and rowing career. He retired with the mission to provide the support he lacked, to youth living with T1D, to help them live inspired, empowered lives.

About the Ontario Trillium Foundation: The Ontario Trillium Foundation's (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada's leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca (http://www.otf.ca/) to learn more.