Sparkle for Hope ball in Christchurch raises $108,000 for children with cancer

Glamour and goodwill combined on Saturday for the Sparkle for Hope ball and gala dinner in Christchurch which raised $108,000 for children with cancer.

More than 500 community members donned their black tie best and were treated to an evening of fine dining, entertainment and fun - all for a good cause.

Now in its 13th year, the event is a fundraiser for Child Cancer Foundation, with money raised going to support services that help children with cancer and their families when they need it most.

Local family, the Grays bravely spoke of their own child cancer experience with their son Jonty, putting a face to the many families who will benefit from funds raised at the event.

Lydia Hemingway, Child Cancer Foundation business development manager for Canterbury, said it was no surprise to see the Christchurch community rally together to support those in need.

"We have such a caring community, who want to make sure people going through a challenging time have the support they need to come back and fight another day," she said.

"Every week, more than three Kiwi children are diagnosed with cancer, so the need for our service is ongoing.

"Child Cancer Foundation receives no direct government funding, so I can't emphasise enough how much of a difference it makes when the community gets behind events like Sparkle for Hope and give so generously. Thank you on behalf of the children, parents and whanau Child Cancer Foundation supports."

Child Cancer Foundation ambassadors, All Blacks Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino, brightened the days of young fans battling cancer earlier this year.

The rugby heroes dropped in to the Christchurch Cancer Foundation's Family Place ahead of their Super Rugby clash in the city in March.

Read says watching the brave kids battle cancer and stay positive gives him inspiration.

"It's pretty amazing to be a part of it, see the journey that the families go through and see the kids come out the other side, which is always nice."