More than 820 Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Noosa and Gympie identities turned out for the 12th Wishlist Spring Carnival on Friday, which was held at Sunshine Coast Convention Centre.
The event raised an incredible $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 Australia’s first facility to offer patient accommodation, primary healthcare and complementary therapies under one roof – Wishlist Centre, which is currently under construction opposite the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
“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 on the Sunshine Coast 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 included speakers Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM, Australian poet Rupert McCall and an intimate outdoor performance by former Australian Idol singer Casey Barnes.
The tally will boost Wishlist’s ambitious goal of raising $2 million before Wishlist Centre’s doors open in July 2022.
“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 https://wishlist.org.au.