As the year draws to a close, we pause with deep gratitude and quiet pride. This year marked the very first chapter of the Lili Grace Foundation — and it has been a profoundly meaningful beginning.
Born from a simple but urgent need, LGF exists to support children living with Type 1 diabetes in Zimbabwe by improving access to insulin, essential medical supplies, education, and mental health support. In our first year, this mission moved decisively from vision to action.
In May, we hosted our inaugural Stars of Hope charity ball, a powerful evening that brought together supporters, partners, and advocates united by one shared goal: ensuring no child is left behind because of diabetes. The generosity and belief shown that night laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Again in May, LGF was proud to support a diabetes clinic in Gweru, delivered in partnership with the Midlands Diabetes Interest Group. The clinic provided medical care, one-on-one counselling, diabetes education sessions, and access to insulin for the local community, generously supplied by one of our partners, Insulin for Life Australia.
In August, we took another step forward with our Children’s Diabetes Camp, delivered alongside the Midlands Diabetes Interest Group and SolidarMed. For many of the children, this was more than a camp — it was a space to learn, connect, and realise they are not alone. Education, peer support, and joy came together in ways that that reaffirmed why this work matters.
We closed the year by commemorating World Diabetes Day in November, partnering with UNICEF Zimbabwe to raise awareness and advocate for children living with Type 1 diabetes. Hosted under the theme “Diabetes & Well-being,” the event served as a timely reminder that managing Type 1 diabetes is about far more than insulin. It is about emotional strength, daily resilience, mental health, and feeling supported.
None of this would have been possible without our partners, donors, volunteers, and the children and families who trust us with their stories. We are deeply thankful to every organisation that walked alongside us, and to every individual who chose to believe in a new Foundation finding its feet.
While we reflect with gratitude, we also look forward with hope. Planning is already underway for 2026, including our next Charity Ball and continued clinics, camps, and advocacy initiatives. We are committed to building on what we’ve learned and expanding our impact in sustainable, thoughtful ways.
This first year has shown us what is possible when compassion meets collaboration. Thank you for being part of our journey — and for helping us create a future where children living with Type 1 diabetes in Zimbabwe can thrive with dignity, care, and hope.
With heartfelt thanks,
The Lili Grace Foundation Team