For Merritt’s Chhabra family, the effects of research by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) are felt close to home.

Ten-year-old Diya Chhabra was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2010, and that’s the reason her family is raising money for the JDRF and participating in its Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes this summer.

This is the second year in a row for the Chhabras -— Diya’s brother Rahul, her mother Nitu, father Rajnish and twin sister Riya.

The family named their team Diya’s Demolishers after their intent to help Diya demolish Type 1 diabetes.

Donations can be made to the team directly through jdrfca.donordrive.com with tax receipts available electronically.

The Chhabras said they’re back to fundraising for a second year after a strong showing of community support last year.

Rajnish said 2014 donations reached a total of $2,920.

Diya’s mother Nitu said community support came from both individuals and businesses.

“That was huge for us,” she said.

This year, they’ve set their target at $2,000 — but are happy to exceed that number, Diya said, adding that donations of any size go a long way.

Diya said she likes doing the fundraising and taking part in the walk because it’s a nice way to help others.

Ultimately, she’d like for kids such as her who have diabetes to not have to poke their fingers, an uncomfortable process by which diabetics test their blood sugar.

The outgoing Grade 5 student at Central Elementary is now in her second year as an ambassador for the JDRF as well.

As an ambassador, Diya made a speech at last year’s Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes. She’s planning to make another speech this year.

This year’s Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes takes place on June 14 at the Kamloops Wildlife Park.

Diya said the walk last year was fun.

“You stop and watch the animals as you go around,” Nitu said.

The family-oriented event includes plenty more things to check out, including face painting and even hair extensions. Kamloops is one of approximately 70 sites across the country that host a walk.

Last year, the JDRF’s Kamloops region alone raised $122,508, just under $3,000 of which came from Merritt.

Nitu said she receives updates from the JDRF on some of the ongoing and new research into a cure, and she can see where the money contributed from her town is going.

“The research is really going on,” she said.

As for her own family, Nitu said the event encourages her kids to work together and get involved with a good community cause.

“It’s good motivation for them to do a good deed and support the community,” Nitu said of her kids.

Diya’s Demolishers kicked off their fundraising with a hotdog sale outside of Cooper’srecently, which raised $350.

The Chhabras’ biggest fundraiser is a steak dinner and silent auction at the Grand Pub and Grill on May 23.

For tickets or to donate a silent auction prize, phone Nitu at 250-315-3610.