Behind The Wish: Eva
Two-time President of the Casey Cardinia Branch of Make-A-Wish, Eva Iosifidis has a passion for fundraising to help grant wishes.
Burning desire to raise money for wishes
When Eva Iosifidis was asked way back in 2016 why she wanted to volunteer for Make-A-Wish she responded “to raise money for an inspiring cause”.
A decade later, Eva has delivered on that goal.
With a background of running events in her professional life, Eva was only a couple of weeks into her volunteering with the Casey Cardinia Branch when she assumed a fundraising role.
“The then Fundraising Coordinator said ‘I think you’re the best person to take over’,” Eva recalled.
“I am always up for a challenge and love organising events, so I took on the role.
“My approach to events is essentially I want the people attending to experience the very best.
“I want to raise money for Make-A-Wish and promote the brand in the best possible way.”
Simply putt, golf days are a huge hit
Eva has played a leading role in corporate golf days organised to raise money for Make-A-Wish.
In 2024 the Casey Partners golf day raised more than $65,000 for Make-A-Wish.
Eva said she was proud of the golf days run by Casey Partners, Facey Property and KC Partners.
She does everything from organising thank you gifts to making sure the barbecue is operational.
“Anything that these businesses need to make the events successful, we will provide,” she said.
“These golf days have been going for decades and I want that legacy to continue.”
Picture: Casey Partners Make-A-Wish Golf Day 2024, with Eva (far right).
Eva's leadership praised in Inspire Award
Eva received a Make-A-Wish Inspire Award (Community category) for 2025 engaging support.
The award singled out her leadership, service and emotional intelligence.
“It was really surprising because there's so many amazing volunteers around Australia,” Eva said.
“I just was very touched and overwhelmed. But then I reflected back on it and I was like, ‘OK, we actually do amazing work in our community.
“My number one thing is just continuing on building those relationships.”
Family values endure
The way Eva carries herself as President of the Casey Cardinia Make-A-Wish Branch can be traced back to the values she was taught as a child.
Growing up in a big Greek family, Eva said respect for others was a “really big thing”.
“I have just always found respect, kindness and love is always my motto,” she said.
“That’s not just in my personal life, but professionally as well.
“It’s just about making time for, and listening to, people. Even remembering my parents when I was growing up, they always had time for me.”
Picture: Eva with husband George.
I have just always found respect, kindness and love is always my motto
Eva, volunteer
Inspired by her sister, Eva sets the bar high
Eva said her current term as President has felt much easier.
The last time she held the reins in 2023 her sister Hiely passed away.
“She actually used to help out with the Make-A-Wish golf days,” Eva said.
“In her career she was a support worker and she used to help a lot of people. And that was her legacy. And I just want to help people in my volunteer capacity.”
Eva said her sister’s memory has inspired her in her second term as President.
“This second time around I have the confidence to help other leaders within the Branch step up,” Eva said.
“I definitely have the desire to empower people.”
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Pink cubby wish stays in Eva's memory
One of Eva’s most favourite wishes was her first one. It was in 2017 and a little girl named Georgie wished for a pink cubby house.
“I felt extremely proud and emotional to create this magical journey and wish for beautiful Georgie (pictured) and her family,” Eva said.
“I always look at the children's faces when we grant them the wish.
“It is just the first thing that I always look at.
“It was emotional looking at Georgie being just so excited.”
Eva said another reason the wish was so memorable was that she did it with 35-year Make-A-Wish volunteer, the late Carol Porter, who she describes as her Make-A-Wish grandma.
“Carol was always a true believer of what Make-A-Wish did and what it stands for," Eva said.
“When I see volunteers that have been volunteering for 20, 25, 30 years or more, I just want to continue that legacy.”
