Diabetes NZ Auckland Celebrates 50 years

Media Release 22 May 2008

Diabetes NZ Auckland Celebrates 50 years with golden anniversary gala

Next month, Diabetes NZ Auckland will celebrate its golden anniversary with a gala dinner and auction to help raise essential funds for a condition that already affects around 60,000 Auckland families.

In celebration of 50 years of service, 350 guests will honour the efforts of the organisation and raise much needed funds with a gala dinner and live auction held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum Dome on 14 June. Tickets are on sale now for the event.

Diabetes NZ Auckland has been helping to improve the lives of people living with diabetes as well as working towards prevention by providing education, support and information since 1958.

In the charity’s 50-year history, never has the issue been more pertinent with the rates of diabetes soaring especially in the Auckland region, says Lynne Bowe, chairperson of Diabetes NZ Auckland.

“Diabetes is now, more than ever, a hot topic as more people become aware of the dreadful impact this silent assassin is having on our society.

“With the rates of diabetes and those at risk soaring, a key focus of our work going forward will be education. That is why we are particularly delighted this year, that United Fresh and the 5+ A Day programme have come on board as a key sponsor to support the gala dinner and the work of Diabetes NZ Auckland. It is great to have supporters such as 5+ A Day helping to bring the healthy eating message home,” says Bowe.

By 2020, half a million people in New Zealand will have (or be at risk of) diabetes. Exercising less and eating less healthy foods has resulted in the total of those at risk of diabetes spiralling out of control creating a need for wider awareness.

“The goals of 5+ A Day are closely aligned with those of diabetes prevention and management. We share a common objective to influence people’s lifestyle habits and promote healthy eating which can play a major roll in the prevention of this disease, ” says Carmel Ireland from 5+ A Day.

The 14 June black tie 50th anniversary gala dinner and auction is the charity’s major fundraiser for 2008. His Excellency, the Governor-General of New Zealand Anand Satyanand, will be speaking at the gala, which will be attended by other celebrities, doctors, various dignitaries as well as supportive members of the public. Media personality Paul Holmes will host what promises to be a memorable evening in support of a worthy cause.

To purchase tickets to this premier event and for more information please contact Marguerite at Diabetes NZ Auckland on 09 623 2508 or email her at marguerited@diabetesauckland.org.nz

ENDS

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