25/08/10

Just in case you are not aware, I am the Interim CEO at Make-A-Wish Australia, while the Board is working to make a permanent appointment. I am having such a great time. This is a wonderful organisation to be working with. It’s also good to share exciting news when you are new to an organisation and it is with pleasure that I can announce that Make-A-Wish Australia reached another important milestone recently when the 1200th volunteer was welcomed into Make-A-Wish Family!

Our amazing volunteers contribute to fulfilling the Make-A-Wish mission by assisting with Wish granting, promotion of Make-A-Wish and fundraising.

Having worked with not-for-profits before I continue to be amazed by how hard working volunteers are. Many have full time jobs and families, but still find time to put in long hours each month to do home visits, organise fundraising events, speak at events, attend training session at National Office and generally promote Make-A-Wish around Australia. From personal experience I can also say that volunteering can be fun and really gives one a sense of achievement and pleasure in contributing to our community.

I think Dave Milne, Volunteer Care Co-ordinator, Hume Branch summed up nicely why he likes being a Make-A-Wish volunteer:

“I like being a Volunteer with Make-A-Wish because of the joy on a Wish child’s face when you ask the question, “What do you Wish for?”, and the pleasure brought to the Wish Child’s family, who realise that there is an organisation that wants to give their Child a Cherished Wish and asks nothing in return.

In July we also welcomed our 59^th Branch, Wollongong. This is a terrific new branch which  is already planning their first major fundraising cocktail party.

In 2009 our branches held 411 events from sausage sizzles to gala balls and raised a staggering $2M for Make-A-Wish – what a fabulous effort. And they are on track for a similar effort again this year.

I look forward to meeting many more of our volunteers over the coming months.

If you have some time to spare and would like to help grant the cherished Wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, you will find more information on the Make-A-Wish website. We have branches in all states and territories of Australia and are always looking for new members.

Photos: Members of our Cardinia-Casey (top) and Eastern Sydney (left) Branches.

20/07/10

Volunteer Development was delighted to officially open its newest branch in Wollongong on Tuesday, July 6. The Wollongong Branch becomes our 59th Branch in Australia and 10th Branch in NSW and ACT.

Under the guidance of new President Pam Rimmer and Damon Ford (both former members of our Goulbourn Branch) the branch has now recruited over 15 new members. Pam has fundraised for the Goulburn Branch in the Wollongong area for a number of years while Damon has been volunteer for seven years and takes on the role as Wish Granter Coordinator at the new branch. Thank you to both for taking on these leadership roles.

The Branch’s first major event will be a Cocktail Party at the Illawarra Yacht Club on Saturday, September 11. Tickets are $35 which includes finger food and live music. For tickets, bookings or more information contact Pam on 0407 461 553. 

The Volunteer Development team and all the staff at National Office would like to welcome the Branch to the Make-A-Wish Australia Family!

12/07/10

We are very excited to announce that the NSW/ACT State Office was recently presented with a $10,000 donation by the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay. This outstanding amount was raised during the Club’s annual Charity Golf Day held in May when 144 golfers took the greens of the Mona Vale Golf Course with a shotgun start at 7.30am. This year’s Golf Day theme was 'Hawaiian' and everyone looked fantastic in their colourful shirts! During lunch, balloons containing a number relating to a prize were sold, followed by a live auction and raffle.  

On behalf of Make-A-Wish Australia and more importantly on behalf of our Wish children and their families, we sincerely thank General Manager, Karen Baldwin, Commodore, Leo Tutt and everyone involved with this year’s Charity Golf day for having chosen Make-A-Wish to be a beneficiary of the event.

Photo: Isabelle Hollander (Make-A-Wish), Karen Baldwin (General Manager, Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay), Anthea Jackson (Make-A-Wish), Leo Tutt (Commodore, Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay)

9/07/10

Marking the Silver Anniversary of Make-A-Wish in Australia, 600 guests experienced a magical and memorable evening at Melbourne Exhibition Centre at our Silver Wish Ball.  Together we celebrated 25 years of granting Wishes to children living with life-threatening medical conditions.  The Leading Men ( Darryl Lovegrove, Ian Steinlake, David Dixon and Scott Irwin) opened the evening with a dynamic bracket of show songs followed by MC Phil Ceberano entertaining guests while cajoling his sister Kate and  good friend Russell Robertson to join him on stage for a few numbers.  Leading Man, Darryl Lovegrove joined his daughter, 9-year-old Harmony on stage bringing down the house with their rendition of The Prayer.  Peter Cupples reminded us why we were all there when he performed ‘Make a Wish’ amidst a backdrop of children’s Wishes which have been granted over the past 25 years, the song he had written ten years previous for the Foundation and Wish Father, Nick Andjelic joined by his wife Deidre spoke of their family’s journey since learning of their daughter, Emily’s life-threatening medical condition.  And I almost forgot to mention 100% Kylie – ‘Kylie’ and her troupe of dancers had everyone one on their feet as she performed a classical collection of Kylie hits. A most memorable night all round.

Just around the corner is our Brisbane Wish Ball (17/7/10) and Sydney Wish Ball (24/7/10) so mark both dates in your diaries.  Join us in support of granting children’s Wishes and visit our website for more details on the Wish Balls and special anniversary events in your area.

2/07/10

Collingwood Captain and long time supporter of Make-A-Wish, Nick Maxwell dropped by the office to help present David Jaensch from the Victorian Water Police with a special certificate of appreciation in acknowledgement for the wonderful support they have provided to the Portland Branch of Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Victorian Water Police have helped the volunteers of the Portland Branch deliver many wishes to the country children, organised days out for Wish children and their families on the water and assisted with the branch’s fundraising endeavours, including the very successful Wish Upon A Star Ball over the past several years. Thank you Nick, David and everyone at Victorian Water Police for helping us grant many Wishes to children in the country and for putting so many smiles on so many kid’s faces.

1/07/10

In the lead up our Wish Balls, there’s always plenty of excitement, a hype of activity  and a little nervous energy, and it was no different this weekend as an army of volunteers and event organisers put the finishing touches on Melbourne’s Silver Wish Ball.  A highlight of the afternoon, was when Wish Child Emily and her sister Monique dropped by the Plenary Room at Melbourne Exhibition Centre to check out the decorations and watch and cheer on their dad on stage during his sound check in preparation for the evening ahead. The lighting guys though they would have some fun, creating a special light show for the girls with flashing silver stars on the walls which made for a magical backdrop. 

29/06/10

It was so nice catching up with our wonderful Cardinia-Casey Branch volunteers at their monthly meeting.  Led professionally and passionately by President Joy Watkins, I was inspired by the Wishes they were granting, the beautiful stories of Wish children and families they were in contact with, and their unstoppable determination to promote the Foundation and raise funds for the granting of future Wishes.  Some of the volunteers at the branch have been with Make-A-Wish in excess of ten years, so there is a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and ‘can do and anything is possible’ attitude on the committee.  They are a wonderful group of individuals - in addition to passionately pursuing the Foundation’s mission, they are also committed to supporting each other.

28/06/10

17-year-old Matilda is enthusiastically awaiting her Wish to be granted - to meet US pop singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera. Matilda was born with an extremely rare genetic disorder, Aicardi syndrome and has defied the odds.  To close out this year’s National Volunteers Conference, she performed for conference attendees some of her favourite Christina Aguilera songs.  She was absolutely fantastic and will no doubt be a huge hit with Christina when her Wish becomes a reality and she meets her idol.   We Wish Matilda all the best as she pursues her passion of singing and we look forward to hearing all about her Wish.

25/06/10

I had a fantastic night with our Canberra Branch volunteers attending the Italo Australian Club fundraising evening in Canberra in support of Make-A-Wish.  Led by President of the Club, John Memmolo, the dynamic organising committee and MC and Branch Patron, Mark Parton, we all enjoyed a magical evening.

The highlight was Wish Mum, Caterina sharing her son Charlie’s story with the guests.  She spoke of taking the family to Italy to celebrate their Nonno’s 100^th Birthday in 2005, at the time Charlie was 15-months-old.  Within a few days of arriving, Charlie became ill and was admitted to the Poli Clinic (Children’s Cancer Hospital in Naples) where he was diagnosed with ALL and where he endured his first blood transfusion.  Following their return to Australia three weeks later, Charlie commenced two years of chemotherapy treatments.

The family’s relationship commenced with Make-A-Wish when Dusanka and Karen from our Canberra Branch delivered a Wish Hamper filled with Bob the Builder toys, books and DVD’s – Charlie’s favourite!  A year later, on Christmas Eve, Charlie’s cherished Wish for a trampoline was granted.  After two years comprising of 46 return trips to Sydney, four blood transfusions, 10 bone marrow aspirates, two spinal taps, three ECG’s and physiotherapy, Charlie was now in remission.

 Check out the photo of Charlie and his mum on the night – Charlie with his boundless energy was running circles around all of us!

Special thanks to John and the Italo Australian Club for your wonderful support of Make-A-Wish and thank you Dusanka and Karen and our fabulous Canberra Branch volunteers for the meaningful work you are doing in your community.

There were many highlights during our National Volunteers Conference, one being nine-year-old Joseph Cloughley who travelled down to Melbourne from Queensland with his family, Jenny, Alan and Samantha to share his adventure and cherished Wish to go by train to the Stock Man’s Hall of Fame in Longreach.  In addition to telling us all the wonderful things he did on his adventure including an eventful overnight journey on the Spirit of the Outback,  visiting the Stock Man’s Hall of Fame, river cruising on the historic Thomson Belle Paddlewheeler, visiting the Qantas Founders Museum and flying high in the sky in a helicopter over Longreach. He also demonstrated for us his Whip Cracking expertise, which we were all extremely impressed by.  Joseph talked about eating the biggest and best burger he had ever had, all the different animals he saw, how much he enjoyed the train ride (although sleeping on the train was a bit tricky) and with great pride showed off his Dryzabone which he had purchased on the trip.  It was great to see and hear how much the Wish had meant to Joseph and his family with memories to last a lifetime of a special time spent together.

Picture: CEO Sandy Brattstrom with Joseph and his sister Samantha

23/06/10

Each year in conjunction with the Foundation’s AGM, a National Volunteers Conference is organised which provides an annual forum for staff, Board members and branch presidents to come together to meet and discuss the organisation’s objectives and strategic direction going forward.  This year’s theme in keeping with our 25^th Anniversary was ’25 Years of Granting Magical Wishes’.  The weekend included many wonderful presentations, a time to reminisce over the Foundation’s past, discuss plans for the future, catch up with old friends, and share challenges/successes and best practice with each other. The conference was motivating, empowering and inspiring as together, we celebrated 25 years of magical Wishes and the impact it has had on so many people’s lives.

‘A hundred years from now it will not matter
what my bank account was,
the sort of house I lived in
or the car I drove.
But the world may be different
because I was important in the
life of a child.’ - Anonymous

Photo: CEO Sandy Brattstrom (far right) with Deanne Cameron, Rebecca Hogan, Thomas Girgensohn, Lionel Conyer, Flossy the Make-A-Wish Australia Wish Fairy, David Flower and Robyn Moore

22/06/10

President of the Melbourne Branch, Lawrie Leeman joined a packed house at Sun Theatre in Yarraville Theatre to view Sex In The City in support of Make-A-Wish Australia.  I understand that Lawrie was one of four men who braved a sea of women to attend the event and support a good cause – thanks for being such great sports.  

The night was so successful raising in excess of $2000, they have organised another showing at Palace Theatre, Balwyn planned for 23^rd June.  Movie nights are a popular fundraising event for the volunteer branches with many being organised throughout the year.  For more information on events in your neck of the woods, visit the 'Events' section of our website.

Photo (from Left): Olga Raff, Alision Hingston, Sandy Brattstrom, Lawrie Leeman and Sam Kelly.

21/06/10

I can’t believe that the Melbourne Wish Ball is only five days away. I have been looking over the arrangements and it is going to be an amazing night. Entertainment by The Leading Men, Peter Cupples, 100% Kylie and a special set by MC Phil Ceberano and Official Friend Russell Robertson and a chance to celebrate 25 years of granting magical Wishes to Aussie kids.

And I have just seen the list of amazing auction items the Vic/Tas State Office has managed to secure including two magnificent pieces of jewellery, aone hour personal music lesson with famed musical director (and Official Friend) John Foreman, a sailing session onthe Etihad Stadium Yacht and a chance to be a Junior Fireman for the day.

There are still some tickets available with the price of a table now only $2000 so come and join me for what I am sure will be a magical night.

I am looking forward to spending the night mingling with guests, kicking up my heals and having a dance or two and sharing the magical stories of the Wishes we have granted over the past quarter of a century.

If you would like to join us at this wonderful event please contact Bethaney on 1800 032 260 or click here to book online.

Now for the hardest question...what am I going to wear!

A highlight of the weekend was the announcement on Sunday of the latest inductee in the 'Aidan McCann’ Make-A-Wish Australia Hall of Fame.

This year’s deserving winner was Joan Fawdry from our Burnie Branch. Joan has been a volunteer with the Foundation for almost ten years and has held the President’s role at the Burnie Branch for most of this time. This is testament to both her dedication and her strong leadership skills.

Congratulations Joan, you are a worthy recipient of the 2010 ‘Aidan McCann’ Make-A-Wish Australia Hall of Fame Award. Thank you so very much for the incredible contribution you have made to Make-A-Wish over the years.

Picture: 2010 Inductee, Joan Fawdry (centre) with CEO Sandy Brattstrom and GM, Wish Services & Volunteer Development Di Cahill.

It’s always an honour to be invited to attend our volunteer branch gala events.  Recently, I was fortunate to attend Gala Balls in Adelaide and Launceston and share in the fun and festivities of the evenings. 

In addition to great themeing and entertainment at both events, the opportunity was taken during the Launceston Ball to announce a new three-year partnership with IGA Tasmania and Cripps Bread in addition to acknowledging Wendy Cochrane for 15 years of volunteer service.  At the Adelaide Ball, radio identity and former Adelaide Crows footballer, Stephen Rowe was formally announced as Branch Patron.

The highlight however during Launceston’s evening was Batman and Robyn presenting Sebastian with his Wish to travel with his family to the Gold Coast to visit the theme parks and during Adelaide’s Ball, Frank Jackowiak interviewing Ruby, whose recent Wish was to meet Taylor Swift.

Photo – Sandy and Ruby at the Adelaide Ball

6/05/10

At this time of year and with Mother’s Day just around the corner, I always think of my mum and the impact she has had on my life...from a very young age, I remember visiting families in Connecticut amongst the autumn leaves delivering Thanksgiving dinners and on Christmas Eve with snow falling delivering Christmas dinners and gifts for the children of the home.  Whether it was warm, thick coats, bikes for the boys or barbies for the girls, little did I know these visits were touching my heart, shaping me as an individual and subsequently having an impact on my life.  Years later, I guess it wasn’t such a surprise to my mum when I decided to commit a large part of my life to serving the community.  Thanks mum for your support and encouragement over the years and for always believing in me.

Like my mum, our Wish mums are courageous, are loving and nurturing, are steadfast and passionate – are simply extraordinary in the face of extraordinary circumstances and for this we thank you and honour you for all you are. 

Happy Mother’s Day.

If you have left your gift buying a late, why not send you mum a Wish Gift e-card and help Make-A-Wish Australia continue to grant Wishes to kids with life-threatening medical conditions.

 Photo – Flossy with Stacey and mum Brenda. Stacey’s wish came true when she travelled to St Anton Austria with her family.

29/04/10

Today Make-A-Wish Australia is joining with over 36 countries around the world to celebrate the Foundation’s inaugural World Wish Day. All around the globe today Wishes will be granted to children living with life-threatening medical conditions and Make-A-Wish affiliates will celebrate the many Wishes which have been granted since the very first Wish was granted 30 years ago in Arizona to Christopher Greicius who wanted to be a police officer.

Chris’ Wish later became the inspiration for the largest Wish-granting organisation in the world. Since the Foundation’s inception in Australia in 1985, over 6000 Wishes have been granted to children throughout Australia. Today, we’re encouraging everyone to make a donation in support of Make-A-Wish helping to ensure this year Wishes are granted to over 400 children between the ages of 3-18.

Our key Wish Day event is Dinner4Wishes which provides the opportunity for every Australian to share in the power of a wish by sharing a meal with friends, family or colleagues. Recipes from cricketer, Brett Lee, INXS member Kirk Pengilly and singer Kate Ceberano and others will help make these events an instant hit.

For these recipes, more information on Dinner4Wishes or to make a donation please visit www.makeawish.org.au or phone 1 800 032 260.

Photo: Flossy with Wish Child Emily and her family dropped by National Office to help kick off Wish Day celebrations.

28/04/10

Recently, I attended a very special luncheon at the Rotary Club of Melbourne to hear our National Patron, Robyn Moore present. 

The Rotary Club of Melbourne is Australia’s oldest club and its members represent many of Melbourne’s top  businesses.  Rotary Club of Melbourne members, Helen Bird, GM Fundraising & Development and Philip Mayers, Director of Make-A-Wish were on hand to welcome  Robyn and invited guests, including  Lena Cirillo VIC/TAS State Manager and corporate supporters from John Sands, BAE Systems and Porsche Australia.  

Robyn wowed the meeting with her presentation to the Club – BIG Words, BIG people, BIG community. The presentation was highly entertaining, inspiring and life-changing.

 As one member said later:  'Robyn put the perspective back into member’s lives, reminding them of how important family and relationships can be, especially in the context of ‘living the moment’. 

Photograph L-R: Helen Bird, President Barry Watts, Robyn Moore and Jim Parkes, BAE Systems. 

16/04/10
Today one of our Friends of Make-A-Wish, 3AW’s Denis Walter, dropped by the Foundation’s National Office to visit with staff and catch up with Gail Jaensch, President of the Portland Branch of Make-A-Wish who he has had a long association with.

We thank Denis for his invaluable support and promotion of Make-A-Wish and its powerful mission over the years and look forward to his further engagement with the Foundation and the children we serve in the future.

14/04/10
Next to experiencing the power of a Wish and seeing the joy on a child’s face when he/she realises their cherished Wish is coming true, I  treasure the visits I make to our volunteer branches, whether it is attending their monthly meeting or a special fundraising event they have organised. 

Our volunteers are passionate beyond belief, giving of their time so generously to meet Wish families, grant children’s Wishes, organise sausage sizzles, movie nights, golf days and gala balls to raise funds and promote the Foundation at every opportunity.  No is not a word in their vocabulary.

I so enjoyed catching up with our Southern Sydney Branch volunteers who spoke enthusiastically and joyfully about the children they were meeting, the Wishes they were in the process of granting, their preparations for World  Wish Day and an exciting and upcoming World Cup Event they are holding. 

Visit the Make-A-Wish Australia website for more information on the events our branches are conducting around the country.

During March we had the absolute pleasure of acknowledging Qantas Engineering Supply Chain for their fantastic support to Make-A-Wish Australia in 2009 and accepting a cheque for $7,000 from their Charity Committee.

Throughout 2009, Qantas Engineering Supply Chain staff from across the country were involved with FUNdraising activities such as sausage sizzles, morning teas, chocolate sales and even competing in the “City to Surf”!

We thank everyone at Qantas Engineering Supply Chain for their wonderful support of Make-A-Wish, for the impact their contribution has made on our Wish children and their families and we look forward to the chance to work together in future.

25/03/10

Over the weekend, we conducted our annual Office Bearers Conference in Melbourne, providing specialised training for our Treasurers, Wish Granters, Volunteer Care Coordinators, Fundraising Coordinators and Public Speakers/Public Relations Coordinators. The attendance of 72 volunteers representing 31branches across the country is a testament to their commitment as leaders of their respective portfolios. Their enthusiasm, passion and positivity was contagious as they excitedly shared with each other special wishes and successful fundraising endeavours.  Equipped with greater knowledge and understanding, I think we all walked away from the conference inspired and empowered, I know I certainly did.  

To our volunteers -

No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.  Thank you.  ~Author Unknown

Picture: Sandy with Matty Hunn from Toowoomba

22/03/10
Everyone loves a sale and I am no different. Our merchandise gurus Yvonne and Marc have just told me that the price of our celebrity t-shirts has been slashed by 50% for a short time only.

I know I have a few people I will need to buy a present for. They will also be a great buy to put in the ‘gift cupboard’ for when I need that last minute present.

And the good news is that 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these tees will help us continue to grant the Wishes of Australian children with life-threatening medical conditions.

So visit the Wish Shop before they are all gone.

18/03/10

Yesterday our team enjoyed a little time out to recognise and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that exists in Australian workplaces by participating in the annual  ‘A Taste of Harmony Lunch’.   

Our staff, representing a number of countries and cultures around the world, prepared delicious treats for all to enjoy – including Portuguese, Greek, French, Indian, Australian, Chinese, New Zealand, Italian and Vietnamese favourites. 

Make-A-Wish Australia is proud to be one of 34 international affiliates around the world granting Wishes to children living with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Picture: Just a sample of the treats staff prepared for the Taste of Harmony Lunch.

17/03/10 

It was fantastic catching up last week with one of our newest volunteer branches, Eastern Sydney, led passionately and professionally by President Raf Neisten.  Since the Branch’s establishment in June 2009, the small but very dedicated and enthusiastic team has been extremely busy granting Wishes and organising fundraising events, with a great schedule of events planned for 2010.  

For more information on volunteering with Make-A-Wish Australia, please contact the Foundation on 1800 032 260.  Make-A-Wish currently has over 1100 volunteers in 58 communities throughout Australia.

10/03/10

We received some exciting news last week when BAE Systems Australia announced that their employees have selected Make-A-Wish Australia as their new partner charity for their 2010/11 Charity Challenge campaign.

BAE Systems is Australia’s largest defence company with more than 50 years of operations in Australia. They employ 6,500 employees and are located in 100 sites across Australia with major sites in Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle. 

The Charity Challenge program encourages employees to participate in both fundraising and hands-on volunteer work for charities.  Through Charity Challenge, BAE Systems employees have raised more than $300k for national and local charities since its inception in Australia in 2001. 

Last week, our Make-A-Wish corporate team (including Helen Bird, GM Fundraising & Development, Robyn Thorpe WA/SA State Manager, Bebe Mawer QLD/NT State Manager, Anthea Jackson NSW/ACT State Manager and Lena Cirillo VIC/TAS State Manager)  were invited to meet the BAE Systems Australia team of site-based coordinators who organise and promote fundraising and volunteering opportunities across the country. 

4/03/10

Currently Make-A-Wish Australia has 58 Volunteer Branches in communities throughout Australia from as far away as Karratha, Cairns, Darwin and Devonport with in excess of 1,100 volunteers granting wishes, fundraising and promoting the Foundation’s mission. 

Over the weekend, we conducted training and development for 15 of our volunteers who recently stepped up to the role of president in their respective branches. Not only are our volunteers genuinely committed to growing the mission of Make-A-Wish, their enthusiasm, creativity and passion for the cause is  contagious – and we’re very grateful to them for the contribution thateach and every one of them is making. 

I just love the following quote from Sherry Anderson - ‘Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.’

Special thanks and acknowledgement to all of our volunteers who share the power of a wish in communities across our nation – you’re all simply extraordinary!

2/03/10

The Drummond Golf Awards Night was held on February 17 at Leonda by the Yarra in Hawthorn. The night was fantastic, consisting of great food, deserving awards and amusing entertainment by Stand-up Ventriloquist Darren Carr and well-known Australian comedian Elliot Goblet. It was also great to catch up with Make-A-Wish’s official Friend, Brett Ogle, who was the host on the night.

This is the second year that Make-A-Wish has participated in this special occasion, and it was great to be given the opportunity to present a Bronze Supporter Plaque and thank Drummond Golf for all of their support over the past year.

The night was a true acknowledgment of the hard work and commitment of all the Drummond Golf Franchisees, staff and suppliers during 2009, and a  great opportunity for the team to share in the power of a Wish.

Picture: Sandy with the Board of Drummond Golf

19/02/10

I always love hearing about the activities our amazing Young Ambassadors are involved in. Last week Daniel Berry was asked to be a ‘model’ to help promote Make-A-Wish’s Wishing for Wheels Lottery. He jumped at the chance to be involved in the photo shoot with a magnificent black Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Kompressor Roadster for the media campaign. 

‘Wow, what a cool car. I can’t wait until I can own a car like this,’ Daniel told the girls from the NSW/ACT State Office.

Tickets are $100 each, but get in quick as there are only 2,000 for sale. Proceeds from the ticket sales will help support the work of Make-A-Wish.

To purchase your ticket click here.

Good luck!

Pictured below: Daniel with Alex Morrison, Managing Director Morrison Motors

19/02/10

I recently had the pleasure of accepting a cheque for $20,000 from the Association of Financial Advisors Foundation at the Hilton in Melbourne. It is our very first disbursement from their Foundation, and we will be working together again in 2010.  It has been a year of learning and growing, and getting to know the AFA members, who have contributed greatly to the partnership in a variety of ways including conducting a number of fundraising activities throughout the year. We cannot thank members of the AFA Foundation enough for their hard work and contributions of donations and gifts to help Make-A-Wish further its mission.  Our team looks forward to another successful year working with the AFA.

11/02/10
Congratulations to President Gail Jaensch and our Portland Branch of volunteers who officially and very successfully kicked off the Foundation’s 25^th Anniversary celebrations over the weekend with the Wish Upon A Star Ball in Portland Victoria. What a fabulous event it was!

The evening commenced with the full RAAF ROULETTE team entertaining 470 guests with an extraordinary aerobatics performance and flyover across the waterfront. Peter Daicos, Nick Maxwell, Nathan Brown and Dale Thomas all travelled out to Portland to join in the festivities as did our Patron, Robyn Moore who flew in from Tasmania and Lisa Curry who travelled from Queensland to present 16-year-old Jonathan with his Wish to skydive in New Zealand.

Thank you everyone for your support of Make-A-Wish and for making it such a magical and memorable evening.

Pictures:

Above: Dusanka (Canberra Branch), Sandy, Di Cahill (GM, Wish Services & Volunteer Development, Robyn Moore (National Patron) and Sharon (Goulburn Branch)

Left: Collingwood players Nathan Brown, Nick Maxwell and Dale Thomas with Wish recipient Sienna.

Below: Sandy with Tubby the Robot

10/02/10

It was fabulous to have Official Friend of Make-A-Wish,  John Foreman and business partner Richard Macionis drop by our office in Melbourne today.  Both great supporters of Make-A-Wish, they are genuinely passionate about the Foundation’s mission to grant Wishes to children living with life-threatening medical conditions across Australia.  We’re grateful to them for their enthusiasm and creative energies and look forward to continuing to work with them to promote the good work of the Foundation and raise the necessary funds for over 400 Wishes we are looking forward to granting in 2010. There may even be a very exciting joint project in the wings... watch this space!

29/01/10
I received my ‘Save the Date’ cards for the Melbourne and Sydney Wish Balls this week. How exciting!  Plans are well underway and shaping up to be fabulous nights of celebration.
Special thanks to everyone that is organising and sponsoring our 25^th Anniversary events celebrating 25 years of granting magical Wishes to Australian children.
There will be Silver Wish Balls in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and a giant Birthday Party in Perth, all celebrating hope, strength and joy and the power of a wish, so get your friends together to join with me in the celebration. 
Tickets can be purchased on-line for the Melbourne and Sydney Balls or contact the Brisbane office on 07 3252 7010 or Perth office on 08 9322 5682.

 And a very special thanks to our individual donors, corporate sponsors and friends who have accepted the challenge of sharing the power of a Wish.

During 2009 we also granted 80 Wish Hampers and helped our international colleagues with 57 Wish Assists.  The girls in Wish Services have certainly been busy.

We are truly grateful for your continued passion and enthusiasm and look forward to granting even more wishes in 2010. 

 In December, Wishes granted ranged from a meet and greet with the cast of Home & Away, to a trampoline, a doll house, a jet ski, a pony, playground equipment, trips to the Gold Coast and the theme parks, and a very special trip to Christmas Island to see the Red Crab Migration. 

I am looking forward to sharing with you many inspirational stories in 2010 as Make-A-Wish celebrates 25 years of magical Wishes in 2010!

Pictured:

Back Row: Christina, Danielle, Nikki and Emily

Front Row: Alex and Julia

6/01/10

On Saturday, December 12, I had the pleasure of attending the Lifetime Distributors NSW Christmas Party at the Country Club in Dural and was presented with a fantastic cheque for $40,000 bringing their total donation to Make-A-Wish Australia to $149,031 since the inception of the partnership in 2007. What a staggering result!

It was  wonderful to catch up with the NSW franchisees on the night and to meet all members of the ‘Lifetime Family’. Everyone’s commitment and passion about their work and their relationship with Make-A-Wish was evident.

THANK YOU to everyone at Lifetime Distributors NSW for helping us to grant more Wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions in Australia. We are truly grateful for your ongoing commitment to making a difference in the lives of Wish children and their families and look forward to continuing our magical partnership in 2010.

30/12/09

On Friday, November 20 I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Rebel Sports Make a Sports Wish Gala Dinner in Sydney at Star City.  Together with 450 sporting celebrities, Rebel Sport valued VIPs, clients, friends and supporters. I experienced an extraordinary evening filled with fantastic entertainment, great auctions and magical Wish stories.

As the first time Make-A-Wish had undertaken such an event together with Rebel Sport and Blinc International, we were overwhelmed by the show of support and subsequent success of the event, with $100,000 being raised on the evening – a credit to the organisers, the attendees and the sponsors and contributors of the evening. When all was said and done and extraordinary figure of $100,000 had been raised on the evening, a simply outstanding effort.

A nice addition to this story is that an employee of Rebel Sport in their Tuggeranong store in Canbera is one of our wish recipients and is travelling to Switzerland in January. Rebel Sport are generously providing all the clothing and ski accessories, not only for the wish recipient, but for his entire family, Mum, Dad and three siblings – what a fantastic and heartfelt gesture.

We are excited about our new relationship with Rebel Sport and the many opportunities this partnership might provide in the future. THANK YOU to everyone at Rebel Sport and Blinc International for having organised such an outstanding event and for helping us to bring magic and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families throughout Australia.

Picture: Catching up with one of the sporting stars present, swimming champion Libby Trickett.

21/12/09
Well the Kenlynn Track Day was an enormous success! The event, hosted by Caroline Von Bibra, entertained for 50 Wish children and their families at Queensland Lakeside Raceway who enjoyed a fun-filled day of hot laps in 67 Porches, Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis for our Make-A-Wish QLD State Office Wish Family Christmas Party.
Special guests,  Alan Jones - 1980 Formula One World Champion, Matt Mingay - National Champion Stunt Rider and Benn Malley and Lachlan Maranta, up and coming Brisbane Broncos Players joined in the fun and festivities of the day, posing for photos and signing autographs.
Also on hand was the Police and Fire Bbrigade who made a special appearance.
It was a great day filled with jumping castles, face painting, ice creams, Krispy Kreme’s and all sorts of goodies including an exclusive A1 Team Australia shirt, motor helmets and a special gift bag for all the kids. 
Royal on the Park kindly sponsored lunch and Santa arrived in a helicopter with loads of presents for the kids.
A very special thank you to Scott Flynn of Kenlynn Properties Australia for sponsoring such a special event for our Wish Families in Brisbane and the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.
Pictures: Above Right: Catching up with Broncos Benn Malley and Lachlan Maranta.
Left: Sandy with Wish child Olivia from Brisbane.

17/12/09

The end of the year is just around the corner and I am taking a bit of time to catch my breath.

Late November saw me take a quick trip to our nation’s capital with Flossy the Wish Fairy.

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan was paying a flying visit to Parliament House at the request of WA Senator and friend of Make-A-Wish Glenn Sterle to arm wrestle Federal Sports Minister, Kate Ellis.

Hulk Hogan is one of the most requested ‘Wishes’ for children in America and jumped at the change to help raise funds for us as well as meet a couple of Canberra Wish kids, Tabitha and Mark.

Both kids were amazing as were our wonderful volunteers from the Canberra Branch who collected donations. It was a wonderful day with nearly $1200 being raise.

My special thanks to Hulk Hogan, Senator Sterle, Sports Minister Kate Ellis and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services Bill Shorten for making it such a special day.

10/11/09
Our Young Ambassador Program is thriving with 30 former Wish recipients comprising this inspirational group of young adults.  Spreading the power of a Wish throughout Australia, these extraordinary individuals represent the hope and promise that Australia’s young people bring to our nation.  Having overcome incredibly challenging life experiences, they are now committed to communicating their powerful stories to all who will listen.  For more information about our Young Ambassadors Program phone 1800 032 260 or send an email.

Photo: Sandy with Young Ambassadors Jeremy Medlock and Petra Velkovski.

05/10/09
Funny how time flies…..it won’t be long before the festive season and the holidays are upon us and we’re busily rushing around attending family and business functions, organising last minute presents, decking the halls etc.  With this in mind, I decided to put all good planning into action and purchase my holiday cards well in advance with the hope of having them written and posted in early December! 
Make-A-Wish has a great selections of cards and E-Cards for sale and in addition, this year the team has developed a range of holiday merchandise.  For enquiries contact the team at  christmascards@makeawish.org.au or to place an order visit the Wish Shop. 

The best part of all of course is that the profits from the sale of these will benefit the kids and the granting of their special Wishes.

Picture: Yvonne and Marc get another shipment of cards ready for Australia Post.   

02/10/09
Ahoy, shipmates! Today, I booked my ticket to attend a fabulous four-course luncheon - 'Wishes on Wharf 8' - on board P&O’s Pacific Dawn in Sydney Harbour on Friday, November 6.  Together with our Gold Supporter P&O, we look forward to a great afternoon of fine food, entertainment and the opportunity to raise funds for the granting of children’s Wishes in 2009 and 2010. Book your tickets through our  NSW State Office on (02) 9006 1253 or at 'Wishes on Wharf 8' . Hope to see you on board!

29/09/09
Four times a year our tireless State Managers converge on National Office in Melbourne for training, budgeting and brainstorming, so it was great to once again welcome them and spend some quality time with them.  It has certainly been a challenging year in terms of corporate fundraising, but the girls haven’t let that dampen their spirits – engaging businesses in cause-related marketing opportunities, encouraging staff to consider payroll giving in their workplaces, and negotiating long term sponsorships is all in a day’s work! Well done team!

On Friday staff at Make-A-Wish Australia participated in Footy Colours Day by coming to work dressed in the colours of their favourite AFL, Rugby Union and Soccer teams, helping to raise money for the Fight Cancer Foundation’s "Back on Track" program.

It’s a great program that works with student’s schools, teachers, peers and medical staff to enable young Australians fighting cancer to stay connected with their school community whilst undergoing treatment. 

Well done team!

10-year-old Josh from Swan Hill was lucky enough to meet his Collingwood hero, ‘Strauchanie,’ yesterday at the Lexus Centre. Josh got a tour of Collingwood’s training facilities and then joined Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald and Strauchanie for some comical pampering at a Day Spa. Josh’s Wish was to have a spa at his house in Swan Hill.

Tune in to Channel Ten at 6.30pm tomorrow night (Saturday, August 29) to watch the first installment of the Make-A-Wish segments for 2009. (Information correct at time of writing)

For more information on Before the Game click here.

I have been in Sydney recently to welcome 'on board' P &O Cruises as a new Gold Sponsor. This partnership is for next three years and will provide much needed funds and allow us to plan for the future.  Our supporters will have the opportunity to partake of P&O hospitability, by attending selected shipboard luncheons and supporting Make-A-Wish at the same time. 

Under the partnership, P&O Cruises will fund Make-A-Wish Wish Hampers for young children and provide cruises for the charity’s fundraising drives. Make-A-Wish will also hold several fundraising ventures on P&O Cruises’ ships every year.

P&O Cruises’ staff are very excited about the link with Make-A-Wish and are looking forward to helping Make-A-Wish through volunteer and fund-raising activity.

Picture: Sandy (far right) with Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia and Flossy, Make-A-Wish Australia's Wish Fairy.

What a fabulous day we all enjoyed at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast at TOLL’s Charity Golf Classic and Gala Dinner. In its sixth year, the event has become one of the most celebrated charity events in South East Queensland in support of Make-A-Wish Australia.

Also part of the TOLL event, ‘My Favourite Things’ Ladies Luncheon was a resounding success with guests enjoying fashion design tips from Bowie Wong, stories of love, life and motherhood from Frances Whiting, and Getaway presenter and Official Friend of Make-A-Wish Jules Lund even dropping by to say hi.

Fireworks out on the terrace under a blanket of stars pre-empted a magical evening of fine food, entertainment and a cherished Wish being presented to a very deserving and inspirational Khyl.

Thank you TOLL for organizing a truly outstanding event in support of Make-A-Wish and for your continued support over the years.  It is truly appreciated!           

Purchased the September edition of Madison magazine today. It was great to see that the magazine has teamed up with Streets Magnum ice-creams, frockshop.com.au and illustrator Rebecca Wetzler to offer readers the chance to purchase one of five exclusive fairytale prints of Cinderella dressed by Alex Perry, Sleeping Beauty by Lisa Ho, Rapunzel by Collette Dinnigan, Snow White by J’Aton Couture, or The Princess and the Pea by Toni Maticevski. For every print sold, Make-A-Wish Australia will receive 100% of the profits. And their generousity doesn't end there, both Magnum and madison will match this donation. To find out more visit madision's website. 

One of our volunteers from the Bayside Branch has generously sponsored an illuminated Make-A-Wish billboard on Kingsway through her business Urban SSTARR. 

Urban SSTARR is Australia’s newest and most innovative Outdoor Advertising Company, specialising in superimposing images of buildings onto the scaffolding hording whist buildings are under construction, renovation or restoration. Urban SSTARR then applies an advertising image sympathetically keeping with the site and the location. 

The current home of this fabulous billboard (see photo) is visible to passing traffic of over 85,000 cars per day.  She may be seen in other locations around Melbourne over the next 12 months.  What amazing ongoing promotion for the Foundation.

Thank you Urban SSTARR for this most generous gift and for helping ensure our brand continues to be top of mind.

I would like to acknowledge Cash Stop Financial Services for their most generous support to Make-A-Wish Australia over the past 3 ½ years. Primarily through their payroll giving program Cash Stop employees have raised a total of nearly  $34K since January 2007!

On July 14 I visited their inviting offices at Parramatta to present two of their representatives with a  long term supporters plaque. It was lovely to see their Make-A-Wish yellow, green and blue supporter plaques being proudly displayed around the reception desk and it gave me great pleasure to add another plaque to their collection.

We thank Cash Stop Financial Services for their long term support of Make-A-Wish, for the impact their significant contribution has made on Wish children and their families and we look forward to a wonderful ongoing partnership in the future.

Today we had a visit from Emmerson who recently celebrated her 9th birthday.  To mark her special day, she invited all her friends to a fabulous bowling party, and instead of presents, she asked them to make a  donation to Make-A-Wish.  What a surprise it was when Emmerson dropped by our office to deliver the funds raised from her birthday party!  Even Flossy joined in the fun, accepting the donation on behalf of the children who receive Wishes from the Foundation. 

Thank you Emmerson for your decision to help others on your birthday – you’re a star!

For the second year in a row, we would like to congratulate Myer on being a Gold supporter. During the 2008 Christmas period, Myer partnered with some of Australia’s top fashion designers and celebrities to design a limited edition range of t-shirts to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Australia.

The limited edition collection featured  unique designs by celebrities such as Carson Kressley, Kate Ceberano and Jennifer Hawkins, and Australian designers including Bettina Liano and Wayne Cooper. 

This wonderful and unique promotion has made a difference to many children and given strength, hope and joy to the families we serve.  Thank you Myer for having such an innovative idea, working with us and supporting the dreams of children.

If you are interested in purchasing one of these t-shirt you can visit our new Make-A-Wish ebay shop.

Photo (from left): Sandy Brattstrom, Lena Cirillo and Helen Bird from Make-A-Wish and Tanina Burrone, Charities Officer, Myer Community Fund and Jo Palmucci, Category Buyer/Developer for Urbane Myer.

Over 425 guests danced the night away at the Fire & Ice Gala Ball at AAMI Stadium on Saturday, May 16 organised by our fabulous Adelaide Branch volunteers.  What a night it was!  MC, Rhett Biglands hosted the evening which commenced with local firefighters accompanying former Adelaide Wish children to the stage to share their  cherished Wishes with the audience, followed by a special presentation to Adelaide Branch volunteers, Mal Beatty and Helen Jackowiak for their extraordinary volunteer service to the Foundation over the past 20 years. 

As the evening progressed, in and amongst the singing and dancing, Scott Matthews was acknowledged and thanked for his incredible feat of canoeing 1000kms down the Murray River in support of Make-A-Wish which raised $70k for the Foundation. 

The highlight of the evening came when young Rachael was presented with her Wish to travel to England (she and her family had lived there for one year) to visit her dear friend – you couldn’t hear a pin drop as Rachael endeared herself to the audience with amazing grace, humor and dignity.  There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, and I have absolutely no doubt there were people in the audience whose lives were deeply touched that evening.   Rachael – we hope you have an absolutely FANTASTIC holiday in England and can’t wait to hear all about it, upon your return.

It is always great to catch-up with staff from Make-A-Wish affliliates from around the world when they are passing through Melbourne.

So it was lovely to welcome Bhakti Arora, National Co-ordinator-Resources from Make-A-Wish India to our National Office during her recent holiday visit to Melbourne. Make-A-Wish in India is located in nine cities including the National Office in Mumbai.

With 30 employees and around 200 committed volunteers, Make-A-Wish India fulfills close to 2500 wishes every year with popular Wishes being to have bicycles, television sets, dolls and indoor games, mobile phones, to have a plane ride, to play in snow, etc.
Over the past 12 years, in excess of 15,000 Wishes have been fulfilled.

Last week we formally announced a three year partnership with Drummond Golf at their 2009 Drummond Golf Awards evening.  On behalf of our Board, our staff and volunteers and most importantly, on behalf of all our Wish children and their families, I sincerely thank Drummond Golf, the Board of Directors, the franchisees, Drummond Golf's Marketing Director Ravi Abeyaratne and the staff and members for choosing to support the mission of Make-A-Wish.

In addition we welcomed Alex and Dylan and their families to our National Office where we presented each of them with a certificate of appreciation for their most selfless, thoughtful and generous gesture, a gift of $2873 to the Foundation.  Instead of receiving presents at their recent Bat Mitzvah, Alex and Dylan encouraged their family and friends to donate to Make-A-Wish Foundation. A highlight of the afternoon was introducing Alex, Dylan and their families to the Wish Services Team who shared with them a number of Wishes currently on the go. Thank you Alex and Dylan – you are both extraordinary individuals and we wish you all the best in everything you pursue.

What a week it has been….such an unthinkable tragedy and incredible loss of life.  So many feelings and emotions….so many stories….such a long week.  The Victorian Bushfire tragedy has no doubt affected us all in one way or another.

This week I participated in the Australian Finance Association’s road show and heard the following which really struck a cord with me and wanted to share it with you all.

To love someone deeply gives you strength, being loved by somebody deeply gives you courage – Lao Tzu

Couples who love each other tell each other a thousand times without even talking – Chinese Prover

Remember, spend time with your loved ones because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember to say kind words to your loved ones, especially your little ones.  They, like you, will grow and leave your side. 

Remember to give a warm hug to your loved ones, because it’s the only treasure you really have which doesn’t cost  a cent.

Remember to say to each other I love you, but most of all mean it.  A kiss or embrace will mend hurt when it comes deep  from within.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment.

Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts of your mind to the ones you love most.

Sandy

433 extraordinary children’s dreams were turned into reality: Two children Wished to be (a fairy princess and a zoo keeper for a day), 20 children Wished to meet an Australian celebrity (including Craig Lowndes, the Wiggles, and Andrew Symonds), 10 children Wished to meet an international celebrity (including Justin Timberlake, Ellen DeGeneres and Matt Groening – Creator of the Simpsons), 166 children Wished to have (a quad bike, bedroom makeover, Dora the Explorer Cubby House just to name a few), 134 children wished to travel domestically visiting such places as the Great Barrier Reef, Australia Zoo, the Gold Coast Theme Parks) and 101 children Wished to travel overseas (Legoland, Hawaii and France).

We presented eighty seven children under the age of 4 with a Wish Gift and assisted in the organization of ninety four international wishes to our shores.

It was a magical and memorable year for all!

During these tough economic times, together we have responded to ensure no child has gone without. The extraordinary determination and commitment to raise the necessary funds and to grant every child their Wish has truly been inspirational. It is a reminder to us all, that in times of challenge where there is hope, there is strength and there is opportunity.

Collectively we have turned cherished dreams into reality for over 440 courageous Australian children living with life-threatening medical conditions and created memories to last a lifetime. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy festive season.

Sandy

I want to take the opportunity - and what better time than International Volunteers Day – to recognise the amazing contribution of our 1030 volunteers in communities throughout Australia. They are an amazing and inspirational group of individuals who, without their hard work and dedication to raising funds and spreading the Make-A-Wish word, we would be unable to grant as many cherished Wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses as we do.

Thank you for making such a difference in the lives of the children we are so privileged to serve.

Sandy

Hope those of you living in Melbourne were able to attend the annual Myer Christmas Parade last Saturday (15/11) or catch the delayed telecast on Channel 7. Thanks to Myer and event organisers Ready-Set-Go! Make-A-Wish was represented with a brilliant float. The float was a magical castle with our new mascot ‘The Wish Fairy’ and four of our fabulous Young Ambassadors, Kelly, Kellie, James and Ben on board. Over 40,000 people at the parade and 700,000 television viewers heard about the amazing Wishes that we grant. A big ‘thank you’ to everyone involved in helping us spread the message and magic of Make-A-Wish .

For over fifteen years I have been inspired by our extraordinary Wish kids and their families, our 1000+ volunteers in 55 branches throughout Australia, our staff at National Office in Melbourne and in our state offices, and the phenomenal support we receive from members of the public and the corporate sector.  It’s a great organization to be a part of….quite simply it’s where amazing Wishes come true and I am glad to be apart it.
Sandy