Diabetes Awareness Month finished with a bang with the Diabetes Challengers Dinner in Auckland on 2 December, which raised over $495,000!

The money raised will be used by our Auckland branch to develop new interactive learning and online programmes suited to different cultures and languages. The new digital tools will reach thousands more and change the lives of young people with diabetes, and Kiwis who are at risk of diabetes or already have diabetes.

750 guests joined us for the glittering gala event, hosted by Kerre McIvor and with many New Zealand sporting celebrities and the three skippers from the 2020 America's Cup in attendance.

The panel discussion with the three skippers (Sir Ben Ainslie, Jimmy Spithill and Dean Barker) was a great success, and star of the show was ten-year-old Eden Iona, who spoke eloquently of the challenges faced by youth living with diabetes and the value of our camps for our youth and their whānau.

Auction items included days out on chase boats, a kicking session with Dan Carter and Hotlaps with Greg Murphy at Hampton Downs.

We are very grateful to everyone in the room for their generosity, and to our wonderful sponsors for the night.

Platinum

Barfoot & Thompson

Gold

AIA Insurance
ASB
Forsyth Barr
Giltrap Group

Silver

Westpac
Forsyth Barr
Golf Warehouse
Lindsay Foundation