On Saturday, February 22, prior to the Owen Sound Attack facing off against the Erie Otters, Mark Woolley proudly presented Diabetes Canada with a $35,000 cheque, raised through his efforts in just six months with Woolley’s Warriors (WW28). The donation will help send kids to Diabetes Canada D-Camps this summer.
Launched in August 2019, WW28 is a nonprofit initiative that holds the goal of sending kids to D-Camps and ultimately connecting those living with diabetes through sharing Woolley’s personal story, while building a platform for others to share theirs. Woolley, an 18-year-old who was originally diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 after his older brother Matt had also been diagnosed at birth, has been meeting fellow diabetic youth and young athletes following his games this season in addition to his fundraising efforts.
Part of Woolley’s fundraising included partnering with the Attack on the inaugural Woolley’s Warriors Night on November 9, 2019. The event raised over $2500, as well as 10 wardrobe-sized boxes of clothing and household items in support of Diabetes Canada.
Woolley’s incredible $35,000 donation will help send a number of kids to D-Camps in 2020, where after beginning more than 60 years ago, the camps have continued to give children living with Type 1 diabetes an authentic camp experience that combines fun activities, friendship, and education on how to manage their diabetes with help from medical professionals who are on site 24/7.
On hand for the presentation was Laura Toito, who has been an exceptional support of WW28 since its creation, and Nicole Holder Dulson – both from Diabetes Canada.
Most notably, the unbelievable and overwhelming quick success of WW28 would not have been possible without the support of so many who donated not just financially, but also with genuine support.
“I just want to personally thank each and every person who has had an impact on making this possible. None of this would be possible without the outstanding support shown from countless people thus far,” Woolley reflected. “I remember when WW28 was first launched, we had a goal of raising $6,000 just to be able to send a few kids to camp… now looking back at what we had aimed for in August, and seeing the progression of WW28, it truly is outstanding.”
“So many kids living with Type 1 will be positively impacted after being given the opportunity to attend D-Camp,” Woolley continued. “So once again, thank you to everybody who has supported me and WW28 so far. I’m looking forward to the future and can’t wait to continue to do as much as I can to connect those living with Type 1 diabetes.”
Diabetes Canada works tirelessly to advocate for and support Canadians living with diabetes with helpful resources, education, research, and more. We’re Canada’s source for facts about diabetes care, prevention, and finding a cure.
Since D-Camps began more than 60 years ago, more than 20,000 children have attended our camps for children living with type 1 diabetes. Our campers enjoy an authentic camp experience that combines fun activities, friendship, and education on how to manage their diabetes with help from medical professionals who are on site 24/7. Diabetes Canada provides camp subsidies to help children from lower-income families attend. We also offer family camps, creating an opportunity for family members and caregivers to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges.
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Woolley's Warriors 