11 June 2009
54 individuals and organisations across Western Australia hosted ‘Great Australian Bite’ events this year to raise vital funds for diabetes education and support services.
The Great Australian bite is an annual community fundraising event involving people and groups getting together, sharing something to eat and making a tax deductible donation to Diabetes WA.
Sophie Formby, Bayswater resident and mother of two, raised funds for diabetes by holding a Teddy Bear’s Picnic with her family and friends.
“We have a history of diabetes on both sides of our family and so I thought it was a worthwhile cause,” she said.
“As most of my friends have young families like we do, I wanted to host an event which the children could be involved in. Everyone was asked to bring their Teddy and a donation to the picnic, which we held in our backyard.”
“As well as raising money, the adults involved were made a little more aware of diabetes, its prevalence and relevance to our own lifestyle choices.”
Diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic disease, with an average of 200 Western Australians diagnosed with the condition every week.
Diabetes WA Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Wagstaff said that the funds raised will go towards services that support people living with diabetes and programs that help people to prevent the condition.
“Support from the community is crucial to us as we work to reduce the impact of diabetes in Western Australia – there are endless opportunities for individuals and groups to run initiatives that raise both funds and awareness about diabetes,” he said.
For more information on community fundraising, call Diabetes WA on 1300 136 588.
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