Local charity sizing up to diabetes, one footy at a time

A NEW fundraising item is selling like hotcakes across the country with all proceeds to benefit Geelong-based national diabetes charity The Type1 Foundation.

Foundation founder and chief executive officer Ange Liston-McCaughley said she had been blown away by the reaction of donors purchasing the charity’s new Type 1 Foundation football as part of The Type 1 Foundation’s merchandise range for 2024.

“It’s been amazing the response we’ve had with the footballs.

“Even in other areas like Queensland and Sydney, the footies have been a big hit and we have sold out of them at all of our events.

“Geelong always gives us a strong response when we do conduct our fundraising, but excitingly we’re looking at expanding the item to other sports balls in other sports.”

The Type 1 Foundation has already sold hundreds of the footballs, forcing the foundation to restock the item three times to keep up with demand.

The proceeds from each purchase go towards the foundation’s production of children’s care packs.

Ms Liston-McCaughley said a dad connected with the foundation came up with the idea to begin stocking footballs more than two months ago.

Once the idea was set in motion, local football clubs and the Geelong Cats began promoting the footballs, further raising awareness surrounding type 1 diabetes.

The Type 1 Foundation is also getting ready to celebrate its biggest week of the year taking place from July 14 to 20 for National Diabetes Week.

National Diabetes Week is the biggest week on the calendar for Ms Liston-McCaughley and the charity, as the nation becomes more aware of the condition and how those living with it are combating its effects.

“National Diabetes Week is a great way to raise awareness and that’s a big thing for us to do, raise awareness around type 1 diabetes and what it is,” Ms Liston-McCaughley said.

“There’s still a lot of stigma surrounding type 1 and type 2 diabetes, so awareness and funding are the big things for us, because without government funding we rely on donations and our merchandise.

“If we can continue to sell those, we can fund things like our camps, events, and care packages for children.”

The footballs and this year’s foundation beanies, each valued at $25, can be purchased from type1foundation.com.au/shop