Rotorua children and teachers got diabolical with their outfits as part of a fundraiser.
Dress Diabolical for Diabetes New Zealand is a fundraising mufti-day event designed to increase the awareness of type one and two diabetes.
It is a joint venture between Diabetes New Zealand, their local branches and The Warehouse, with children donating a gold coin.
Local schools and kindergartens which took part today included Mamaku School, Waikite Valley School, Mamaku Early Learning Centre and Ngongotaha Early Learning Centre.
The money raised would go towards the Rotorua Community Diabetes Centre Project, said Karen Reed, Diabetes New Zealand Rotorua branch manager.
Waikite Valley School pupils in their outfits for the fundraiser. Photo/Supplied
The mission of Diabetes New Zealand Rotorua branch is to ensure every person living in the Rotorua area affected by or at risk of diabetes has access to the information and support needed to manage their health and wellbeing.
"It's awesome to have the support of the community.
"It's great because it's good for awareness of diabetes, and the profile of our organisation and what we're doing."
She said diabetes was on the increase and people needed to be aware of the signs and symptoms, because early detection was important.
Better awareness made it easier for children with type one diabetes to integrate and get on with their daily lives, she said.
Ngongotaha Early Learning Centre co-owner Olivia Bootten said children with diabetes had attended the centre before.
"We try to get behind all the causes that affect our community."
She said it was important for children to be aware of diabetes because of the importance of healthy eating when talking about type two diabetes and supporting those with type one.
"Everyone is eventually going to have a friend that has type one diabetes."
She said the children and teachers loved to dress up.
Co-owner Heather Brake said diabetes was becoming more common which was quite scary.
Some of their children had donated to the cause, and the centre would also be putting in a donation, she said.
Usually they raised between $70 and $100 on these types of fundraiser days, they said.
