JDRF Opened Markets at Toronto Stock Exchange

Opening Marks Launch of 2011 Toronto Ride for Diabetes Research

To view the Social Media Release, click here: http://smr.newswire.ca/en/juvenile-diabetes-research-foundation-canada/jfrf-opens-markets-tse

TORONTO, Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - JDRF Canada opened the markets at the Toronto Stock Exchange this morning to gear up for the Toronto Ride for Diabetes Research. Judy Goldring, Co-Chair of this year's Ride, was joined by Andrew McKee, President and CEO of JDRF Canada, and 2011 JDRF Youth Ambassadors to raise awareness about the upcoming Ride for Diabetes Research, as well as the need for more funds and research to continue the advancements that have been made in the search for a cure for type 1 diabetes.

"JDRF is committed to finding a cure for diabetes and its complications. The money raised by the Ride goes to funding research, such as groundbreaking clinical trials focused on finding new treatments and technologies for type 1 diabetes," said Judy Goldring, Executive Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at AGF Management Limited. "In my three years as Co-Chair of the Toronto Ride, I've seen promising new advancements leading to a longer, healthier life for people living with type 1 diabetes, like my husband and JDRF's Youth Ambassadors."

After setting fundraising records in 2010, JDRF is aiming to raise $3.1 million in Toronto this year with the help of approximately 2,000 corporate teams, primarily from the wealth management, financial services, securities, real estate, hotel and restaurant industry, as well as legal, insurance and accounting firms. "

The enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by corporate teams is a testament to how committed and passionate people are about finding a cure for type 1 diabetes," says Andrew McKee, President and CEO of JDRF. "While some people participate in the Ride because they have a connection to the disease, many participants don't have a connection. These Riders know they are making a difference in the lives of over 300,000 Canadians living with type 1 diabetes by raising funds to get us closer to finding a cure."

The 2011 Toronto Ride for Diabetes Research will take place at the Metro Convention Centre on Friday, September 9. The Toronto Ride is one of 17 taking place across Canada with a goal to raise $7.5 million nationally.

Diabetes in Canada

• More than 3 million Canadians have some form of diabetes.
• Over 300,000 Canadians live with type 1 diabetes.
• Canada has the sixth highest incidence rate of type 1 diabetes in children 14 years or younger in the world.
• The incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing by three to five per cent annually; the greatest rise is in children five to nine years of age.

Diabetes Worldwide

• Diabetes currently affects 246 million people worldwide and is expected to affect 380 million by 2025.
• Every ten seconds, two people develop diabetes.
• Approximately 70,000 children develop type 1 diabetes annually - nearly 200 children a day.
• Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease.
• Every 10 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes.
• According to the International Diabetes Federation, each year 3.8 million deaths are attributable to diabetes. An even greater number die from cardiovascular disease made worse by diabetes-related lipid disorders and hypertension.

About JDRF Canada
JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 diabetes research worldwide. JDRF's mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. JDRF funding and leadership is associated with most major scientific breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes research to date in Canada and around the world. It has raised more than $1.5 billion for diabetes research since its inception in 1970, including $107 million in 2010. JDRF raises funds in seven countries, and is funding research in 19, including over 50 human clinical trials. Over 80 per cent of the funds JDRF expends support research and research-related education. For more information, please visit www.jdrf.ca.

About JDRF's Ride for Diabetes Research
JDRF's Ride for Diabetes Research is the most exciting and unique fundraising event in the country. This fast-paced and energetic event brings corporate Canada together in a friendly competition to see who can clock the most kilometers, show the most spirit and raise the most money. Toronto teams consist of five riders that alternate riding a stationary bike for six minutes each over the course of 35 minutes. Teams ride in one hour intervals so the event fits into any schedule. Participants continue to join the Ride every year because it is highly motivating, a great team building event and a ton of fun. The goal of the Ride is to raise funds to help find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. All team members are asked to raise a minimum of $125 in pledge donations in order to participate.

SOURCE AGF