A cure is within our reach. Through Cash Store Financial's generous financial contribution, we will move more quickly toward that cure.
Bruce Hull, Chairman, Alberta Diabetes Foundation

Photo ADF

Pictured l-r are Gordon Reykdal, Chairman and CEO of The Cash Store Financial Services Inc.; Bruce Hull, Chairman of The Alberta Diabetes Foundation Board of Directors; Dr. Ron Gill, Scientific Director of the Alberta Diabetes Institute; Dr. Ray Rajotte, Director, Surgical Medical Research Centre

Gordon J. Reykdal, Chairman and CEO of Canadian payday-loan provider The Cash Store Financial Services Inc., today announced that the Company will harness the energy of its over 1,500 associates working through its national network of 400 alternative financial services branches to raise $7.5 million over seven years for the Alberta Diabetes Foundation (ADF). The ADF is the fundraising body for diabetes research to be conducted at the Alberta Diabetes Institute (ADI) at the University of Alberta.

The announced contribution builds on Cash Store Financial's long-standing commitment to support good causes in those communities where it conducts business.

The announcement was made at the Company's fiscal 2008 Annual General Meeting in Edmonton, Alberta, where a check was presented to Bruce Hull, Chairman of the Alberta Diabetes Foundation.

"The ADI is a world-class facility, globally recognized for its advancements in diabetes research. There is a very real possibility that ADI's researchers will spearhead a cure for this debilitating and often deadly disease," said Mr. Reykdal. "One of the biggest things getting in the way of the institute's success is a lack of money. We want to help."

"Through our network of over 400 branches, we intend to coordinate and run no less than 35 fun runs annually, which will be the main avenue through which we will raise money. We will also seek support from corporate sponsors," he added.

ADF Chairman Bruce Hull said, "We are thrilled that Cash Store Financial has made this commitment to the ADF. Diabetes can be a deadly disease. It affects millions of people around the world. Not only does it hamper the lives of those who have it, it places a significant strain on healthcare resources around the world."

Hull added, "A cure is within our reach. Through Cash Store Financial's generous financial contribution, we will move more quickly toward that cure. We are tremendously appreciative of this contribution. This level of corporate support further solidifies work underway at both the ADF and the ADI. We hope this will encourage others to give as well."