/24-7PressRelease/ - NEW TECUMSETH, ON, CANADA, May 16, 2008 - The Town of New-Tecumseth launches major fundraising initiative to help restore the birthplace of Sir Frederick Banting the discoverer of insulin.
On June 30, 2008 the Corporation of the Town of New Tecumseth will become the owner of the 100-acre property, the former home of Frederick Banting, and subsequent buildings. The homestead remains in a state of disrepair and in desperate need of upgrading and restoration. A grassroots community fundraising initiative has been launched to raise the half million dollars needed. A committee has been assembled comprised of the Mayor, other town representatives, local business leaders and members of the media to help lead the initiative.
"We're a small municipality," says Mayor MacEachern, " but we've decided it's important enough to invest in this property and we're looking for people to get behind us - people who understand the significance of insulin. It's important that we recognize the site for the role it played in Banting's discoveries. We have people visiting from all around the world and we want it to be an historic site we can be proud of. In the end, not just the people of this town will own it, but Ontario will own it, Canada will own it and internationally we want everyone to be able to use the site for generations to come."
As of last fall, there were 2 million Canadians with diabetes. There are 250 million diabetics worldwide.
Future plans for the site remain preliminary but several ideas being put forward include a research and community education facility led by Stevenson-Memorial Hospital, a diabetic camp for kids and a museum in Banting's honour. Educational and public tours will continue.
The town has begun accepting donations as the word spreads and is issuing charitable tax receipts. Cheques can be made out to the "Town of New Tecumseth-Banting Homestead" and can be delivered in person to the town offices located at 10 Wellington Street, East in Alliston, Ontario or mailed directly to the address provided below. For more information or to make your donation online, log on to http://www.restorethebantinghomestead.com or through the town's website at http://www.town.newtecumseth.on.ca.
For Further Information: Mayor Mike MacEachern
(705) 435-3900 x 223
Or call:
Sherine Mansour
Media Relations
647-237-8740
Media Train is a production company specializing in television, corporate and educational video.
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