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The holiday season is a great time to celebrate, and it’s an even better time to help others. This year, as a Festival of Trees sponsor, we are helping children in the community, and we’re inviting you to join us. With the help of community members like you, we’re confident that we will meet and exceed our $1,000 fundraising goal!

What is the Festival of Trees?

The Festival of Trees is an annual event that raises funds for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. This year’s fundraising focus is particularly worthwhile: funds will help children dealing with diabetes to live better lives. Businesses, organizations and members of the community sponsor beautiful Christmas trees, which will be on display at 5 locations in BC for the everyone to enjoy. In the Okanagan, two venues are sharing the Festival of Trees event: the Delta Grand Okanagan and the Mission Hill Family Estate. Between November 18, 2022, and January 3, 2023, you’ll be able to visit the tree display, make an optional donation and learn about the challenges of juvenile diabetes.

Help Needed

To meet our $1,000 goal, we need your help—with donations, fundraising and tree decorating. There is no donation that is too small (or too big), and your level of involvement is up to you. In return, you’ll meet some great people, support a wonderful community event, and make a difference in the lives of children this holiday season.

Juvenile Diabetes: The Challenge

A diabetes diagnoses changes a child’s life. In BC, 2500 children and youth live with juvenile diabetes. With this disease, the pancreas is not able to produce insulin, meaning that the body cannot regulate blood sugar without the help of insulin injections or an insulin pump. Along with managing insulin levels, diabetes patients must eat a strict diet, take daily blood sugar tests and carefully balance food, medication and exercise. They also have watch for signs of low or high blood sugar. Effectively managing diabetes is critical, as it lowers the risk of long-term complications, like vision issues and problems with the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels.

Hope for a Better Future

Research is the key to providing a cure for juvenile diabetes. Researchers are making progress to understand the autoimmune response that damages insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. They’re also looking at ways to restore function to these damaged cells. With recent advancements, researchers are optimistic for a cure. However, research is expensive, and that’s why fundraising is important.

A Perfect Opportunity

As dental professionals, we work every day to help people feel confident with their smile. Now, we’re working with the Festival of Trees to put smiles on the faces of children with juvenile diabetes. It’s a perfect opportunity for us and we think it’s a perfect opportunity for you, too. For more information about how you can help, contact us today.