The spirit of Christmas arrived early across the Illawarra this July, with businesses, schools, community groups and individuals rallying behind the KidsWish Christmas in July Toy Fund to help bring joy to children living with disability and illness.
Together, the community raised $18,516, helping KidsWish continue its mission of delivering Christmas magic to local children and families. While the campaign fell short of its ambitious $50,000 target, the result marks significant growth from the inaugural campaign last year and highlights the increasing momentum behind a cause that touches thousands of lives across the region.
Every dollar raised through Christmas in July helps fund the thousands of toys gifted by KidsWish each Christmas. This year, those gifts will be distributed at the KidsWish Christmas Party at Symbio Wildlife Park, where more than 3,000 guests are expected to attend, including 1,500 children who will each receive a special Christmas gift. Additional toys will also be delivered to local Schools for Specific Purposes and children in the Children’s Ward at Wollongong Hospital during KidsWish’s annual Christmas visits.
The campaign inspired support from across the Illawarra, with venues, businesses, schools and individuals embracing the opportunity to make a difference.
Leading the fundraising efforts was The Illawarra Hotel, raising an impressive $5,626 through dedicated Friday night meat raffles, a special Christmas in July locals’ night broadcast live by Wave FM, lucky envelopes, a visit from Santa and a community Christmas tree where patrons could purchase KidsWish baubles and leave festive messages of support.
The Illawarra Hotel Venue Manager, Brittany Sargeson, said supporting the campaign was an easy decision for the iconic community venue.
“The Illawarra Hotel has always been about bringing people together, and Christmas in July gave us an opportunity to unite our patrons, staff and wider community behind a cause that creates a real impact. Seeing so many people get behind the campaign throughout July was incredibly rewarding and showed just how much our community cares about supporting local families.“
“Knowing the funds raised will help deliver special Christmas moments to children living with disability and illness is what makes this initiative so meaningful. We’re proud to support the amazing work KidsWish does and look forward to helping the campaign continue to grow and reach even more families in the years ahead.“
McDonald’s Illawarra also threw its support behind the Toy Fund, raising $4,617 after all local restaurants participated in a dedicated fundraising day, donating 10 per cent of sales during designated periods. The event brought smiles to customers young and old, with Illawarra’s Friendly Neighbourhood Spidey making special appearances serving burgers and greeting families.
McDonald’s Illawarra Licensee, James Dwarte, said the campaign showed the powerful role local businesses can play in strengthening the community.
“One of the greatest things about Christmas in July is that it gives businesses an opportunity to make a real difference close to home. The support we received from our customers and crew showed that people genuinely want to help when given the opportunity.”
“We’d encourage more businesses to get involved next year because every fundraiser, every donation and every conversation can help create lasting memories for local children. It doesn’t take a huge effort to make a meaningful impact, and together we can achieve something truly special.”
Other major supporters included Warilla Bowls & Recreation Club, which contributed a generous $5,000 donation, while schools, workplaces, community groups and individuals hosted fundraising events throughout the month to support the cause.
The campaign’s reach was further strengthened by the support of media partners Wave FM and the Illawarra Mercury, whose ongoing promotion helped spread the message and encourage community participation.
KidsWish Stakeholder Engagement and Fundraising Manager, Emily Wright, said the overwhelming support demonstrated the compassion and generosity that exists throughout the Illawarra community.
“To every business, school, community group and individual who donated, fundraised, shared our message or encouraged others to get involved, thank you. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to delivering the joy and excitement that every child deserves to experience at Christmas.”
Emily said while the campaign did not reach its fundraising target, the growth of the initiative provides a strong foundation for the future.
“The success of this year’s campaign isn’t just measured by the dollars raised, it’s measured by the number of people who chose to get involved and support local children and families. We’ve seen incredible growth in just our second year, and that’s something we’re immensely proud of.”
Looking ahead, Emily hopes Christmas in July becomes a signature community campaign embraced across the entire region.
“Our vision is for Christmas in July to become a true community movement, where businesses, schools, sporting groups, community organisations and individuals all come together with a shared purpose. Together, we can deliver joy this Christmas, and with continued support, we can ensure thousands of children living with disability or illness experience the magic, connection and happiness that make this time of year so special.”
While the fundraising campaign has officially concluded, there is still time for the community to help deliver Christmas magic to local children.
Every $25 donated provides one toy, helping KidsWish continue its mission of creating joyful Christmas memories for children and families across the Illawarra.
To make a donation and help deliver joy this Christmas, visit: https://christmasinjuly.kidswish.org.au/
What do you get when you mix Christmas cheer, wildlife adventures, music, laughter and a whole lot of magic? The 2025 KidsWish Christmas Party at Symbio Wildlife Park — and
On Friday 30 May and Friday 6 June, KidsWish dialled up the energy (and the excitement!) with unforgettable Accessing Illawarra events at Revolution Laser Arena in Spring Hill – and
This National Volunteer Week, we’re shining a light on the incredible people who give their time, energy and spirit to help us bring joy and connection to children living with
We’d love to hear how yourself or someone you know has been impacted by KidsWish.
