Email: info@belizediabetes.org

Tel Main:

President: Mr. Anthony Castillo -  610-2158

Vice President: Ms. Sharon Fraser -610-0071

FUNDRAISER LETTER

Diabetes is known as the silent killer. There is a growing number of Belizeans living with this condition, either knowingly or unknowingly. Recent statistics further shows that more and more juveniles are developing Diabetes. It is high time that we here in Belize take positive steps into the direction of stemming the rise of this disease. It is time for us to take matters into our own hands and be more proactive about our health.

There is much that an individual may do to maintain suitable blood sugar levels: There is reduced portion size meals especially in the carbohydrates department; consuming more fruits and vegetables; avoiding/minimizing sugar intake in the form of desserts and aerated drinks/beverages; and most importantly – exercise. All of the above mentioned measures coupled with exercise, sticking to one’s prescribed medication and making regular visits to one’s doctor, are definitely a formula for success, when it comes to lowering one’s blood sugar level.

The Belize Diabetes Association, a non-government, non-profit entity has vested itself with the responsibility of providing support for persons living with Diabetes, as well as educating the public at large on how to prevent the unset of this disease. The association is a firm believer that when it comes to Diabetes, ‘prevention is better than cure’, thus advocates a healthy life-style.

In view of this, the Belize Diabetes Association, in conjunction with Bruce Cycling Club Bike Shop is spearheading a two-day Ride across Belize. The theme under which this venture is going to be carried out is: ‘Ride Out Diabetes’ and is scheduled for November 7 & 8 2009.  Over one hundred riders are estimated to ride from Corozal Town to Belize City on Day 1 – November 7 and Santa Elena Town to Belize City on Day 2 November 8. The association is looking to raise some $100,000 Bz dollars to carry on the work of diabetes support, care and awareness in Belize, so this is our first step in raising these funds.

We are counting on the public’s cooperation for the success of this first ever ride in our effort to bring Diabetes to the forefront. As has been previously cited, the key to lowering incidents of Diabetes, and coping with complications arising from it, lays in the hands of each individual. BELIZE– we are counting on you! Support ‘Ride Out Diabetes’.  Looking forward to seeing you on November 14& 15 2009.

Come join the ride, support the Belize Diabetes Association as we fight this silent killer, Diabetes.

RIDE INFORMATION

With the ride set for November 14th and 15th 2009, we are seeking all riders, people with diabetes and concerned citizens of Belize who want to see better care for diabetes in Belize join in the ride (NOT A RACE) and help spread the word about diabetes. It is not a requirement for you to finish the ride or ride both days since the key to this "Ride Out Diabetes" event is to show participation from a large group that will demonstrate to Belize that people are aware of this silent killer and are willing to take a stand in fighting this disease.

The ride has two parts with the first day starting in Corozal Town at TONY'S HOTEL. The opening ceremony starts at 6:00am sharp at TONY'S Hotel in Corozal and shortly after the ride begins. There will be a short break in the ride on Day 1 where participants will make a brief stop for refreshments etc in Orange Walk Town at the ICB office before proceeding to Belize City to finish off at Bruce Cycling Bike Shop at the Corner of Blue Marlin Blvd./Chancellor Avenue (opposite Belize Health Care Partners formerly Universal Health Services). Please note that we will provide free transportation via bus for rider and his/her bike to Corozal leaving at 3:00am on the morning of the ride. If you prefer to overnight in Corozal instead of utilizing the transportation provided by organizers then we can assist you with HOTEL RESERVATIONS 

Day 2 of ‘Ride Out Diabetes’ will commence from Santa Elena, Cayo, at 6:00 on the morning of November 8, from in front of the ICB Santa Elena office. The Riders will proceed to Belize City with a rest stop at Garbutt’s gas station in Roaring Creek Village. Thereafter, the riders resume the ride all the way back to the city for the grand finale at the same venue as Day 1; corner Blue Marlin Blvd. /Chancellor Avenue. Again transportation is provided from Belize City at 3:00am to get to Santa Elena, Cayo.

There will be a grand fair after the ride at Bruce Bike Shop where Bar-b-que and other items will be on sale so bring out your family and friends. Diabetes testing and other information pertinent to diagnosis, care and prevention will be available at the fair.

Check In the Day BEFORE the Ride!

Avoid the line for check-in on ride day -- we will offer optional check-in on the day BEFORE the ride from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is no additional charge for this service, of course. Riders that wish to have his/her bike transported from Bruce Bike Shop to Tony's Inn at Corozal, MUST notify the office as soon as possible because space is limited.  And must bring your bike in by Friday, November 13th , between the hours of 9am - 2pm.  For Saturday, November 14th, between the hours of 1pm- 4pm. The reason for taking the bikes a day in advance is to ensure safe transportation, rather than rushing on the morning of the ride and causing damages to the bikes.

PRIZES

With any ride there must be prizes but "Ride Out Diabetes" is not a race but a fundraising event. Therefore we will give reward the rider/s who raise the most funds through their support forms with over 20 prizes. While each rider will get certain benefits for participation. Each rider's goal is to bring in at least $1000 in contributions through their contributions forms.

So once you have decided that you will participate you are required to fill out the application form by either downloading it from the website and printing it or coming into Bruce Bike Shop (opposite Belize Health Care Partners) and filling out an application and collecting your contributions form and participant booklet.

Requirements to Participate:

What all Participants (RIDERS) will receive (IF ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE MET):

          ¨ A “Ride Out Diabetes” Jersey,

¨ Award Certificate

¨ Transportation from Belize City—Corozal (depart Belize @ 3:00 a.m.)

¨ Transportation from Belize City—Santa Elena Cayo (depart Belize @ 3:00 a.m.)

¨ Service from Corozal—Belize City

¨ Service from Santa Elena—Belize City

¨ Food, water, Gatorade, Power Bars & Gels

¨ Mechanical Service

¨ At the completion of the ride there will be Food, Fruit Salad Buffet

  The Rider who brings in the most contributions will receive the following prizes:

¨ Recognition

¨ Special Jersey

¨ An Award Certificate

¨ Plaque

¨ $100 Gift Certificate (Jule’s Boutique)

¨ $100 Gift Certificate (Bruce Cycling Club/Bike Shop)

¨ Dinner for two at Old Belize

¨ Two free check-ups at the Pediatric Center - Dr. Cecilio Eck

¨ One Cellphone from Smart

¨ One Cellphone from Cellular Plus

¨ One Gift Basket from Grace Kennedy

¨ One Overnight Stay (dbl occupancy) at Tony's Inn Beach Resort

¨ One GE Microwave

¨ One Cologne or Perfum from Lauren Duty Free

¨ One Gift Certificate for a Jersey from Sun Digital Photo

¨ One Hundred ($100) Gift Certificate from Santiago Castillo Ltd.

¨ One Mini Digital Camera from King's Music and Electronics

OTHER PRIZES

¨ The Oldest person to complete the two days ride event will receive a gift basket from Grace Kennedy.

 More prizes to be added soon.                                                             

MAJOR SPONSORS

SPONSORS

DIAZ ENTERPRISE

BELIZE INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (BIM)

GIFT SPONSORS

BRUCE CYCLING CLUB BIKE SHOP

CELLULAR PLUS

OLD BELIZE

JULE'S BOUTIQUE

GRACE KENNEDY

THE PEDIATRIC CENTER

SMART

TONY'S INN COROZAL

SUPPORT RIDE

You are probably wondering how you can show your support for the "Ride Out Diabetes" fundraiser especially if you are not a rider or able to participate for any reason whatsoever. Well you can, if you are a Business Entity or Corporation please feel free to support us through prizes or monetary donations. You can contact the program organisers or the President or Vice-President for more information. Contact information is below on this page.

                                                                     CONTACT US