Flame of Hope (diabetes) facts for kids
The Flame of Hope is a special eternal flame in London, Ontario, Canada. It honors Sir Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin. Insulin is a medicine that helps people with diabetes. The flame also celebrates everyone affected by diabetes. It reminds us that insulin helps manage diabetes, but it doesn't cure it. The flame stands for the hope that a cure will be found soon.
This special flame will only be put out when a cure for diabetes is discovered. The team that finds the cure will be invited to put out the flame.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother lit the Flame of Hope on July 7, 1989. About 4,000 people watched this important event.
The Queen Mother kindles the Flame of Hope in 1989
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| Coordinates | 42°59′23″N 81°13′55″W / 42.989833°N 81.231887°W |
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| Location | 442 Adelaide Street London, Ontario, Canada |
| Designer | Robert Geard |
| Material | onyx granite |
| Height | 2.1 metres |
| Completion date | June 21, 1989 |
| Dedicated to | All individuals affected by diabetes |
Contents
Where to Find the Flame of Hope
The Flame of Hope is located in London, Ontario. It sits right in front of Sir Frederick G. Banting Square. This square is next to Banting House National Historic Site of Canada.
Building the Monument
The monument under the Flame was designed by Robert Geard. It is made of a strong stone called onyx granite. The monument weighs 15 tonnes and stands 2.1 meters (about 7 feet) tall.
The monument is built to resist acid rain. The Flame itself is designed to stay lit in strong winds, rain, and snow. It can handle winds going at least 17 kilometers (10 miles) per hour.
The monument uses a natural gas system to keep the flame burning. It also has a low granite shield to protect the flame. To place the heavy monument without chipping it, workers used ice cubes to carefully lower it into place.
Events Inspired by the Flame
Many groups and people use the Flame of Hope as a symbol. They name their fundraising events after it to help people with diabetes. Here are a few examples:
- The Flame of Hope Walk/Run for Diabetes is a regular event. It happens on different dates and in many places each year. Diabetes Canada organizes it in the PEI Region. Participants can choose a 5km walk or a 5km fun run. These events are not competitive races.
- The Flame of Hope Trail Ride was an annual event near Elmira, Ontario. It is no longer held. In 2001-2002, this event won the Melvin Jones Award.
- Many Flame of Hope Golf Tournaments are held by Diabetes Canada. These tournaments take place in various locations. Some examples include Edmonton, Alberta, Copetown, Ontario, and Gibbons, Alberta.
The Flame in the News
The Flame of Hope has been part of several important moments.
A Challenge and a Re-kindling
In the same year the Flame was first lit, it was damaged. A person caused damage to the ignition switches and burners. The Queen Mother sent a letter saying she was sorry about what happened. She encouraged everyone to re-light the flame. The monument was later made stronger to prevent future damage.
Celebrating Insulin's Discovery
In October 1996, an event called "Dreamwalkers" took place. It celebrated 75 years since insulin was discovered. People walked from Victoria Park to Banting House in London, Ontario. There, Judge J. M. Seneshen re-dedicated the Flame of Hope. The Queen Mother also sent her good wishes for the event. She shared her hope that a cure for diabetes would be found soon.
A Special Coin
The Royal Canadian Mint created a special coin. It was a $100, 14-karat gold coin. This coin celebrated the day Banting won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The coin was designed by Robert-Ralph Carmichael. He also designed the loon on Canada's one-dollar coin. The "insulin coin" shows the Flame of Hope turning into figures. These figures were inspired by the Nobel Prize medal. This design shows respect for the past and hope for the future.
