Estevan’s Clint Davies has been recognized for his commitment to people with diabetes.
Davies was presented with a Diabetes Canada National Volunteer of the Year Award by Lieutenant Governor Thomas Molloy at Government House in Regina on June 11.
Davies has been a volunteer with Diabetes Canada for well over 25 years at the local, regional and national level.
In his regional role, Davies served as the volunteer regional chair for southern Saskatchewan. He is also an active member and contributor on the Diabetes Canada Saskatchewan advocacy committee.
“Clint has also been a long-time residential campaign volunteer,” Diabetes Canada said in a news release. “He is the town captain for Estevan and oversees 10 zone captains; a huge commitment. His involvement in the community is evident as many other volunteers return due to him being the town captain.”
Davies became involved with Diabetes Canada more than 25 years ago after he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He knew someone who was involved with the local chapter, and Davies became involved as well.
“I help out with their door-to-door campaign,” said Davies. “I’ve been a canvasser, and the last few years I’ve been the area captain where everyone brings their stuff to me.”
Davies also volunteered his time by working at the Diabetes Canada booth during the Estevan Showcase Business Expo.
This year marked the first time in many years he hasn’t been the town captain, due to health issues, but he looks forward to resuming his involvement with Diabetes Canada.
Davies has also extended his volunteer obligation by collecting funds through Diabetes Canada coin boxes. He stepped up after hearing that the volunteer who used to do it had died, and now collects the coin boxes on a regular basis and deposits the funds into the Diabetes Canada bank account. The coin boxes generate over $500 per year.
“His passion and dedication to Diabetes Canada is very much appreciated,” the organization stated. “The work he does through the residential campaign is so valuable and his contribution to advocacy is a reflection of his knowledge of what it is like to live with diabetes. Clint is a leading volunteer for Diabetes Canada and the recognition he received on Monday was well deserved.”
Davies said it’s important to support Diabetes Canada because there are a lot of people who have the disease, and many don’t know they have it.
“It’s a disease that can affect you in many ways. It affects every part of your body: your limbs, your heart, your kidney, everything,” said Davies. “I think people should know about it.”
Diabetes Canada has provided him with information on the disease, and he has been to conferences across the country.
The ceremony last week was nice, he said. His wife, son and daughter were in attendance. He also saw some people he hasn’t seen for a long time, and met some new people with the organization.
He’s not sure who nominated him, and he was surprised when he was told he was receiving the award, but he is honoured to receive it.
“I’ll still keep working for them as long as I can,” said Davies.
A total of 10 people from across the country are selected to receive the award each year.
