Gilles Provost is a true diabetes champion. For 52 days in July and August, he drove a support vehicle from Victoria, BC to Halifax, NS, supporting his son, Yves, who was raising funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Summer Surge fundraising campaign by cycling across Canada from coast to coast.

Gilles is 76 years old and has Type 2 diabetes.

First Gilles raised funds from his friends, colleagues and family. They he flew to Victoria from Laval, QC to quickly learn how to drive a car with a standard transmission! From the time Gilles and Yves left Victoria, Gilles went ahead 5 to 10 km at a time to map out the route and wait for Yves to ensure he was okay. His good humour and support, carried the two through many difficult, stressful times on the road.

Fifty-two days on the road saw the two men arrive safe and sound in Halifax, into the arms of family and friends, raising over $5000 to support the programs and services that the Canadian Diabetes Association provides to people with diabetes.

I am honoured to have met Mr. Provost. He has shown true altruism and put himself at personal risk to support his son and the cause. Gilles is a true Diabetes Champion.