the starlight children's foundation

- The Children's Hospital at Westmead;

- The Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick;

- The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne;

- The Mater Children's Hospital in Brisbane; and

- The Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth.

- Granting the wish of a seriously ill child;

- Helping initiate and implement activities in these state-of-the-art playrooms with audio-visual equipment that becomes a high-tech sanctuary for hospitalised children (currently in Sydney, Melbourne & Perth);

- Helping to set up Starlight fundraising functions and working on events e.g. Star Day, Compaq Starlight Cup Tennis Tournament and special one-off events;

- Assisting during working hours in the office doing Word Processing, data entry, Reception work, mail-outs and photocopying;

- Attending fundraising events;

- Visiting schools and community groups; and

- Accepting contributions on Starlight's behalf.

Volunteers are integral to our programs. They are carefully screened and provided with training.

Our volunteers are part of a team networking with one another, sharing ideas and resources.

They frequently respond beyond the call of duty and are truly Starlight fairy godmothers and godfathers! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and would like more information please fill out the form below and we will email you further information:

* VOLUNTEER! VOLUNTEER! *

granting a wish

Having a wish granted is an exciting experience for a seriously ill child and his or her family. It is a chance for the sick child to give something back to the family.

It gives them the chance to be together outside the often scary and stressful treatment procedures.

Thanks to the dedication of trained volunteers who work closely with families and health care professionals, the granting of children's wishes is always a shining success.

Wishes usually fall into four main categories:

- A travel or destination experience;

- Meeting a famous person;

- A material gift (eg: computer); and

- An event or experience.

No matter what the wish may be, the experience is a magical one that uplifts the family and child as they cope with the stress of a serious illness.

Starlight has granted in excess of 2,800 wishes through the support of people like you! With your sponsorship and a little Starlight magic you can grant a wish and create the dreams of a very special child.

By joining Starlight's family you will receive brief profiles on the child and descriptions of the wish you have made possible.

an inspiring wish story: hog heaven

Eleven-year-old Ben of Victoria was expecting the arrival of a brand new Compaq computer. But he was hardly prepared for his wish to be delivered by seven big-hearted bikies riding seven roaring Harley Davidson motorcycles.

The bikies from the Eastern Riders in Gippsland, who arrived in convoy with Ben's teacher’s aid, friend and other family members, then treated the lucky boy to a Harley ride into Sale where the festivities continued at his favourite restaurant, McDonalds.

Ben was still wearing a grin when his favourite Harley dropped him off home after the party, according to wishing granting volunteer, Rosa.

Thanks to Compaq, Eastern Riders Gippsland, Ozemail, Microsoft and McDonalds.

an inspiring volunteer's story

Deborah Speakman has been a Starlight volunteer since 1997 and has contributed to the Starlight Children’s Foundation through wish granting and fundraising.

Deborah has granted three wishes including a trip to Disneyland, a trip to Queensland, and a computer. She also volunteers her time to raise funds on Star Day and other Starlight fundraising drives.

"I just love being able to help these kids by bringing some joy into their lives. Seeing their faces light up when you can grant them a wish is fantastic."

"Parents and siblings are often just as appreciative as the child receiving the wish. It can be very therapeutic for them to see happiness in the face of their loved one who has been unwell. Being able to facilitate this is so rewarding ..."

"I can’t wait to grant my next one!"

© 2003 Starlight Foundation

There's no reason why after reading this, you don't start making plans to manifest the dearest wish of one you love - don't wait until they're sick, start now ...