In the year 2000 Matthew Antolin was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Just one year later, in 2001, his sister, Ali was also diagnosed. In the years that followed, the two struggled to adjust to the lifestyle changes forced upon them by their disease.
In 2007 Ali set the stage for what would become an annual fundraising tradition. In an effort to raise more money for the TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes, in which Ali and her family participated each year, she threw a small backyard barbeque with her closest family and friends. In it's first year, the barbeque raised close to $500. The following year, the barbeque endured the unexpected rain to come away with a grand total of $780.
It was the following year, in 2009 that Ali and her closest friends took the barbeque to a new level, and Boomerang was born. Along with Ellis Timerman, Jessica Walters and Laura Horowitz, Ali put on an evening affair featuring live entertainment, raffles, auctions, and a feast of desserts. The first annual Boomerang fundraiser brought in $3500, and left all it's guests looking forward to the next one.
The second annual Boomerang fundraiser, was an absolute eye opener for all those involved. With a fundraising goal of $5000, Boomerang succeeded in making a very real contribution to the cure for diabetes. Boomerang 2010 brought in over THREE TIMES it's original fundraising goal, and raised over $15 000. Last year was a success once again and brought in over $19 000.
Through her work with Boomerang, Ali has now become a youth ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She also took part of the JDRF family committee which works to organize the TELUS Walk To Cure Diabetes. In addition, in 2011 Boomerang was recognized as being in Top Ten fundraising teams across Canada
Boomerang has become a true installation in the community, with many people excitedly awaiting Boomerang 2012, which promises to yet again improve on the amazing work of the previous year.
