Arthritis Society goes door-to-door

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Arthritis Society goes door-to-door

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If you are looking to walk off a few pounds, or simply want to help out a

worthy cause, the Arthritis Society would like to hear from you.

The annual door-to-door fundraising blitz is currently underway, and will

continue throughout September. Door-to-Door Coordinator for the South West

Region of the Arthritis Society, Dan Knight, is hoping to entice as many

volunteers as possible to assist with their $40,000 goal.

With more than 225 volunteers on board, Knight said he is hoping for as many

as possible, since the area in question stretches from Woodstock to Windsor.

" Not only do we want to raise money, but just as importantly, is creating

awareness, " Knight said.

Creating awareness is half the battle, and according to Knight, a recent

survey found that less than one per cent of Canadians knew about the

Arthritis Society and the services it provides. " For instance, we have a

physiotherapist who will assist those who suffer from arthritis, " he said.

Knight is passionate about the Arthritis Society, which is why he jumped on

board. But in order to raise awareness, he will admittedly have to bang the

drum very loud. " There is a misconception that arthritis is an older

person's disease, " he continued. " More than 60 per cent of arthritis

sufferers are under the age of 60, and we have kids as young as five who

have juvenile arthritis. "

To raise awareness, the society sponsored a walk in May and this month's

door-to-door campaign is their biggest fundraiser of the year.

" It is a great opportunity for students to get their community service hours

in, " Knight said. " People can canvas an entire neighbourhood, or several, or

just one street. Some people take the day off work, while others canvas

throughout the month after supper. "

The money raised goes toward arthritis research and providing services. " I

am confident that we can surpass our goal, " Knight said.

Want more information?

To help out with the door-to-door campaign, contact Dan Knight at

519-433-2191 ext.226, emaildknight@... or log on to

www.arthritis.ca

Article ID# 2738557