The District 19A Diabetes Foundation was formed because of one man’s vision.  A Past International Director of Lions Clubs International, Ralph H. Long, had the vision to form a foundation so that it can raise fund to bring diabetes awareness to the public, in particular, to British Columbia.

In 2003, the Foundation, then under the leadership of Ralph H. Long, had it first fundraising dinner.  In subsequent years, the Foundation had several of such fundraisers to raise the capital to purchase and equip a mobile screening and education vehicle to carry out the Foundation’s goal.

In June 2007, the Foundation applied to Lions Clubs International Foundation for a matching grant to purchase and equip this vehicle.  Subsequently, the grant was approved and a truck was purchased.  This vehicle is called the Lions Mobile Diabetes Awareness Unit (LMDA) because it was made possible by this matching grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

The LMDAU is now ready to go to travel to high-risks communities to bring diabetes awareness to British Columbians who are not yet diagnosed with diabetes; and to public schools to promote healthy lifestyles to the younger generation.

The Foundation is a registered charity under the Income Tax Act of Canada (84208 8726 RR0001). Tax deductible receipts will be issued to qualified donations to the Foundation at the donor’s request.