As we all enjoy a late summer heatwave, magical charity When You Wish Upon a Star (WYWUAS) is already putting final plans in place for its exciting festive season, aiming to make children’s wildest dreams come true.
The WYWUAS team is appealing to local businesses to channel the spirit of Santa and consider its ‘Sponsor a Seat’ campaign, which makes the wishes of many seriously ill children come true by flying them to Lapland.
It costs the charity £90,000 to charter each of its private flights to Lapland every year, and WYWUAS urgently needs local communities to help raise funds to support the magical trip. For each child and their guardian it costs £900 to send them to Lapland, so fundraising helps to make the trip tangible for the life-changing charity.
Midlands and South regional fundraising manager, Nicola Brien, said: “Christmas is on our agenda all year round and we are already making festive plans. Our Lapland trip is extraordinary; it gives the ultimate gift of smiles and happiness to children and families who need it the most.
“Sponsoring a seat is a fantastic way for a business to see a direct link between their fundraising efforts and the happiness of a local family. Our other festive initiatives encourage everyone to take part in something fun and donate what they can towards this amazing trip.”
For individuals interested in lending their support or making individual donations towards the Lapland trip, sponsored walks or ‘Laps for Lapland’ will be taking place throughout the region and are a great way for communities to support the magical charity.
Nicola added: “We know sponsoring a seat is a challenge, but we encourage everyone to find even a small way to raise funds which will go towards granting children’s wishes all year round. It doesn’t matter how much you raise, but it is a great way to bring people together, have fun and make a real difference to a child in need.”
Alternatively, rather than spending precious funds on Christmas cards which will be put in the bin after December, anyone can purchase a pack of ‘Stars for Wishes’ which can be displayed on trees and saved as a decorative keepsake.
To receive ‘Sponsor a Seat’ information, please contact WYWUAS directly through the post: When You Wish Upon a Star, Futurist House, Valley Road, Nottingham, NG5 1JE, or by email: fundraising@whenyouwish.org.uk or call 0115 979 1720. Find out about other events in your area by visiting http://www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk/fundraising-events/
