Sapphire magazine Banting Legacy Foundation

There are few causes in the world that unite people on a global scale.
However, when it comes to a disease that knows no bounds and affects millions world wide, a celebration of a discovery that has saved over 1 billion lives transcends international borders.
On November 14, World Diabetes day was recognized in more than 170 countries including cities and towns across Canada.
Dr. Frederck Banting, Noble Laureate and co-discover of insulin, did his research at the University of Toronto, but his early days were spent on a farm in Alliston, Ontario.
Now known as the Banting Homestead Heritage Park, the site is being transformed into a diabetes education and outreach centre through the efforts of the Banting Legacy Foundation.
The 100 acre property has been declared a national historic site.
The Foundation is working to sustain the legacy of Mr. Banting by restoring and preserving the location which includes the farm house and historic octagonal barn.
Future plans include an outreach and diabetes
education centre on site and nature trails around
the property to promote physical fitness.

The Foundation celebrated Banting day on Sunday, November 13, with a gathering on the property that featured displays by the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Outreach Team from Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston.
The Outreach team offered a simple test to determine blood sugar levels and there was a line-up of people willing to have their fingers pricked to make sure their number were in the acceptable range - including this reporter who was glad to find out his numbers are in the 'excellent' range.
"The Banting Legacy Foundation is doing all we can to complete this project," said Foundation president David Sadleir. "We have a unique Canadian opportunity at this site. We have completed the restoration of the octagonal barn and now we are moving on the farm house."
The Foundation took over the property in 2010 after the Town of New Tecumseth purchased the site from the Ontario Historical Society.
With the Banting name known throughout the world, especially by those touched by diabetes, the Banting Homestead Heritage Park will be a centre for learning and a global focal point for Banting's legacy.
"This will become a welcoming venue," Mr. Sadleir explained. "Visitors from around the world have come to see this place. There will be exhibit space in main house, (for historical items) and a new diabetes outreach clinic and learning centre providing services on site."
Although Banting is primarily known for his medical research, the centre celebrates other aspects of his life.

A decorated war hero, he was awarded the Military Cross for Heroism Under Fire during the Battle of Cambrai in the First World War.
He was a painter and wood carver who's works are now considered national treasures.
As part of the fundraising effort for the Heritage Park, the Foundation is offering limited edition framed works that include a photo of Banting as well as a photo of the chicken coop that was a part of the farm. Each edition has an actual piece of the wood slats from the chicken coop and comes with a certificate of authenticity to verify its historic significance.
Diabetes may now be controlled but it continues to be a major concern on a world level.
The Heritage Park will strive to educate the public about prevention.
"More than 360 million people world wide have diabetes and it accounts for 4.6 million deaths every year," Mr. Sadleir explained. "Canada has the third highest rate of Type 1 diabetes for kids under 13 years of age. Diabetes is undermining global development."
Diabetes day was celebrated with the world going blue for the night in a symbolic gesture.
The CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Distillery District in Toronto, all were lit up in blue lights in a show of solidarity in support of the cause.
The Banting Homestead Heritage Park is located at 5116 Sir Frederick Banting Road, in Alliston, Ontario.