We’re celebrating today’s Starlight Day – the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s biggest fundraising day – with a $350,000 contribution to help give more children facing serious illness reason to smile.
The funding, from unclaimed Golden Casket prize money and Tatts NT, will go towards two amazing programs and takes our total support of Starlight to more than $4 million.
A $250,000 contribution will help grant 33 Starlight wishes through Starlight’s Wishgranting Program giving seriously ill children once-in-a-lifetime experiences that lift the whole family and make precious memories.
We’ll also contribute $100,000 to Starlight’s Healthier Futures Initiative that brings Captain Starlight to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, transforming clinical settings into spaces of fun and laughter.
Captain Starlight’s presence makes healthcare feel more welcoming for kids, encouraging participation in vital check-ups and boosting community engagement in the healthcare system.
Our Partnerships Manager Liz McPherson said the impact of both programs was profound, bringing light and hope to children and families during their toughest times.
“No matter what challenges a child is facing, they still deserve moments of joy – and that’s exactly what makes Starlight’s mission so incredibly important and why we are so proud to continue to support Starlight and celebrate Starlight Day with them,” she said.
