THE Make A Wish Bendigo volunteer branch is calling on members of the community to help put smiles on children’s faces.
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Since its inception in 1988, the group has managed to grant 86 wishes and hand out 13 wish hampers.
Make A Wish Foundation national brand and communications manager Carla Blatt said the Bendigo branch was one of the oldest branches in the state.
“The Bendigo branch does not just cover the immediate region, they cover all of central Victoria as well,” she said.
Ms Blatt said the group was in desperate need of volunteers.
“The group is really looking for people to help their fund-raising,” she said.
“The volunteers meet with families and work together to make their wishes come true. The volunteers co-ordinate everything; it is quite spectacular to see the wishes come true.”
Ms Blatt said the Make A Wish Foundation played a big role in changing the lives of the others.
“Granting a wish can have a huge impact on a child,” she said.
The Spark family had their wish granted by Make A Wish Bendigo. Five-year-old Jasmine was diagnosed with Batten disease, a rare neurodegenerative condition.
The family’s wish was to go to Australia Zoo in Queensland.
Jasmine’s father Robert said if it wasn’t for Make A Wish Foundation then his family would not have been able to enjoy a holiday together.
He said a smile on a child’s face was worth more than any money and was grateful for the lasting memories his family created thanks to the foundation.
Ms Blatt said the Bendigo branch was holding an information session tonight at the Bendigo RSL in Havilah Road at 7.30pm for anyone in the community interested in joining the group.
