A $50,000 donation was the highlight of a vibrant event aimed at raising money for a multi-million dollar health care support facility.
Hundreds of people from around South-East Queensland attended the 12th Wishlist Spring Carnival, at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre in Twin Waters.
The event raised $287,186 in just five hours, including a donation of $50,000 from Exemplar Health Care and Aware Super, who will now become Foundation Donors within Wishlist Centre.
The funds will be directed to the centre, which is Australia’s first facility to offer patient accommodation, primary healthcare and complementary therapies under one roof.
The $14 million centre, under construction opposite the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, is being delivered by Wishlist, a charity dedicated to fundraising for the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.
“We are thrilled to announce this tally – our most successful Wishlist Spring Carnival yet,” Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe said.
“Due to the pandemic Wishlist Spring Carnival was cancelled last year which was a huge blow to our charity, however Friday’s event – two years in the making – was arguably the best yet.”
Since inception in 2009, the Wishlist Spring Carnival series has raised more than $1.76 million to enhance public healthcare in the region, through medical equipment, research and education, and support services for patient and families.
“The day was a great success, truly highlighting the generous community we live in,” Ms Rowe said.
“More than 820 locals and key business professionals came together to help us raise these much needed-funds for Wishlist Centre, and I would especially like to thank our major sponsors Walter Iezzi Property Group and Pacific Jaguar Land Rover, our generous auction donors and our dedicated event committee.”
Wishlist Spring Carnival was hosted by Hot 91’s Sam and Ash, and it included speakers Dr Dinesh Palipana, Australian poet Rupert McCall and an intimate outdoor performance by former Australian Idol singer Casey Barnes.
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The tally will boost Wishlist’s ambitious goal of raising $2 million before Wishlist Centre’s doors open in July.
“Thanks to this event, we are now over $1 million raised for Wishlist Centre, but we need 50,000 more virtual bricks to be donated to make Wishlist Centre all it must be for patients and families.
Each virtual brick is valued at $20 and is tax-deductible.
To Donate a Virtual Brick and be forever recognised within Wishlist Centre visit wishlist.org.au.
The centre will provide transitionary care accommodation to support patients and their families whilst having ongoing treatment. It will offer unique, no-cost and low-cost services, including a GP service.
It is supported by a $12 million Federal Government grant through the Australian Government’s Department of Health, Community Health and Hospital Program, secured by Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace.
