Smiles were the order of the day at the KidsWish Christmas Party at Symbio Wildlife Park on Thursday with around 2000 guests lighting up the annual event with beaming smiles.
More than 600 families converged on the Park to see the sights, chat with Santa Claus, check out the animals and celebrate Christmas.
There was also a play zone, silent disco, a sport and sensory activity zone and animal feeding for the kids to enjoy.
One of the highlights of the Christmas Party was the stage show hosted by Wave FM’s breakfast duo, Jade & Damien, with the KidsRock band and local singer Annalivia Keaveny performing along with the Music Makers and KidsGroove dance groups, the KidsJammers percussion group.
Every child received a goody bag with a KidsWish drink bottle, LEGO® gift and a token to collect a toy, as well as lunch and ice-cream which was better than ever on a hot day.
A dedicated army of volunteers were amazing in helping set up the event before the big day, then by making sure everything ran smoothly at the Christmas Party and after everyone went home happy, by packing up and cleaning up at the Park.
“KidsWish supports lots of families that have children with disability, who attend many of our programs throughout the year,” said KidsWish Stakeholder Engagement and Fundraising Manager Emily Wright.
“This event today we welcome over 600 families from the Illawarra who have children with disability.
“This is an event they all look forward to, they all come together because they know KidsWish is putting it on for them. It’s a really special day and we want to bring a lot of joy to the families we support.”
Symbio Wildlife Park chief marketing officer Kevin Fallon said it was great to see so many young faces engaging with the animals.
“It’s important for kids to connect with wildlife at a young age because they’re going to be advocates for wildlife in the future and the ones that also educate their children and it flows on down generations,” he said.
“So to be able to forge our relationship and connection with wildlife at a young age, it’s imperative.”
KidsWish is a charity organisation of The Disability Trust and is committed to fulfilling the lives of children with disability or illness and their families through supportive programs, special events and community-impact projects, with a goal of building an inclusive community that can be enjoyed by all.
The first Celebrity Brick Battle was a huge hit at the seventh annual Illawarra Brick Show which raised funds for KidsWish at a packed Illawarra Sports Stadium on the weekend.
Hundreds of community members got out and about for The Great Illawarra Walk on Saturday to help KidsWish continue to make a difference to the lives of children living with
It’s not too late to register for The Great Illawarra Walk which will be held this Saturday to help KidsWish in its mission of fulfilling the lives of children living
We’d love to hear how yourself or someone you know has been impacted by KidsWish.
KidsWish acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we provide services. We recognise the strength and intergenerational resilience of Elders and honour the culture and knowledge of community leader’s past, present and emerging.
KidsWish acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we provide services. We recognise the strength and intergenerational resilience of Elders and honour the culture and knowledge of community leader’s past, present and emerging.
KidsWish operates in partnership with The Disability Trust.
© KidsWish Limited is a registered charity with the ACNC. Website by Biz Sites.
