Make-A-Wish Australia
 | This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. (August 2023) |
| Formation | November 29, 1985 |
|---|---|
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Legal status | Registered with the ACNC[1] |
| Headquarters | Richmond, Victoria, Australia |
Region | Australia |
| Services | Wish-Granting |
Chief Executive | Sally Bateman |
| Website | https://makeawish.org.au/ |
Make-A-Wish Australia ("Make-A-Wish Foundation of Australia") is a registered Australian children's charity founded in 1985.[1] The charity grants wishes to children living with a life-threatening disease or medical condition and is affiliated to Make-A-Wish Foundation International.
The charity operates from donations and receives no government funding.[1]
History
[edit]Make-A-Wish Australia was founded on 26 November 1985, inspired by the story of Christopher Greicius – a young boy fighting leukaemia in United States fulfilling his wish of becoming a police officer.[2] The first wish to be granted in Australia was for Shawn Cleland, a 16-year-old boy living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who wished to see his favourite football team in action.[3]
Make-A-Wish Australia has granted over 10,000 wishes[4] to children living with a critical illness and has been recognised as one of the top-most trusted children's charities on The Australian Charity Reputation Index.[5]
On 29 April, Make-A-Wish affiliates all over the world celebrate World Wish Day in honour of the first wish granted and all children currently on a wish journey.[6]
Wishes
[edit]To receive a wish, a child must be between the ages of 3 and 18 years, living in Australia, experiencing a life-threatening disease or medical condition. Make-A-Wish Australia contacts each child's medical specialist to establish eligibility.[7]
Research and impact studies on wishes from around the world show they can have a powerful impact on children living with a life-threatening illness (2019 in the UK, 2018 in United States, 2015 in Israel).[6]
Activities
[edit]Make-A-Wish Australia works with several companies across Australia including The Walt Disney Company, Hungary Jacks, Coles, Southern Cross Austero, Blooms The Chemist, The John James Foundation, Hallmark Cards, Hertz, Hyundai Help for Kids, OOh!media, Sass & Bide, Seed Heritage.[8]
Make-A-Wish Australia's Chief Executive is Sally Bateman, who was appointed in 2018. The charity's Chair is John Armstrong.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA LTD". ACNC.gov.au. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
- ^ "The Christopher Greicius Story". rgvaff.com. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
- ^ "How Make-A-Wish Australia Started | Our History". How Make-A-Wish Australia Started | Our History. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
- ^ "Thirty years of smiles for the Make A Wish foundation". ABC News. 2015-11-23. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
- ^ Beni, Doolan (2022-08-25). "Australia's Most Reputable Charities". My Charity Change. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
- ^ a b "Why Wishes Matter | The Wish Effect". Why Wishes Matter | The Wish Effect. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
- ^ "How To Apply For A Wish & Embark On A Wish Journey". How To Apply For A Wish & Embark On A Wish Journey. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
- ^ "Charity Corporate Partnerships". Charity Corporate Partnerships. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
- ^ "Our Board | About Us". Our Board | About Us. Retrieved 2023-08-28.