FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does Make-A-Wish Australia do?

The key mission of the Make-A-Wish is to grant the Wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

How did Make-A-Wish begin?

Make-A-Wish originated in the United States in 1980.  It grew from the dreams of a young boy Christopher Greicius, who had leukaemia and wanted to be a patrolman.  His dream came true and after he passed away, his mother Linda Bergendahl-Pauling, helped form Make-A-Wish.

Does money donated only go to Australian children?

Yes. Although, Make-A-Wish is a worldwide charity, the money raised in Australia goes towards granting Wishes to Australian children.

How large is Make-A-Wish in Australia?

Make-A-Wish Australia is a national charity with over 1000 volunteers and 58 branches. The National Office is in Richmond, Victoria and there are also state corporate offices in QLD, NSW, WA and VIC.  Make-A-Wish has over 35 affiliates worldwide.

How many Wishes do you grant?

Since Make-A-Wish began in Australia, it has granted over 6000 Wishes to Australian children. Worldwide it has granted more than 250,000 Wishes.

What types of illnesses do Wish children suffer from?

All Wish recipients have a life-threatening medical condition. Although this covers a range of illnesses approximately 60% of children who are granted Wishes have some form of cancer.

How is a child eligible for a wish?

To qualify for a Wish the child must have, in the opinion of their medical specialist, a life-threatening medical condition.The child must also be between the age of three and 18 years of age at the time of application. Make-A-Wish does not means test and is non-religious. All eligible Wish children receive a Wish.

What if a wish cannot be granted to an eligible child (for example they wish to go to the moon)?

If a Wish, such as a trip to the moon cannot be granted to an eligible child, then an alternative Wish is sought from the

Wish child.

What are the most common wishes?

Wishes fall into four categories:
      I wish to be…
      I wish to go…
      I wish to meet…
      I wish to have…

The most common Wishes are computers, cubby houses and trips to the Gold Coast and Disneyland.

How does Make-A-Wish Australia raise money?

Make-A-Wish Australia raises money to grant Wishes in a variety of ways including:

Cause-related marketing
Sponsorship
Annual appeals
Marketing campaigns
Direct Donations

A considerable amount of funds are also raised by volunteers who conduct everything from sausage sizzles and trivia nights to major gala balls.