10 Years of Partnership with Barry Plant
Over the past decade, Barry Plant's annual 'Wishtober' event has raised over $1 million, demonstrating the network's commitment to community and making a difference
Through their annual 'Wishtober' event this October, The Barry Plant Group donated a portion of the commission for every property sold to Make-A-Wish Australia. This year they contributed over $80,000 to help make wishes come true for critically ill kids!
Spotlight on Sammy
This year, the story of Sammy, an 8-year-old girl with pleuropulmonary blastoma is at the heart of Barry Plant’s fundraising efforts. Sammy wished for a magical space of her own, 'an ice-castle cubby fit for a princess.' This cubby is no ordinary playhouse; it's a winter wonderland – complete with shimmering walls, frosted decor, and cosy corners where Sammy can let her imagination run wild.
When Sammy saw her ice-castle cubby for the first time, she couldn’t stop smiling. Her reaction was a powerful reminder of the impact that wishes have on the lives of critically ill children and their families.
Image: Sammy (left) and her sister, Rory (right)
Sharing a Cuppa
Barry Plant representative, Kashka Hardy had the pleasure of meeting Sammy and her family, bringing extra goodies to fill her Ice-Castle, sharing a "cup of tea," and seeing firsthand the fun and enjoyment that the Wish provided her.
Kashka reflected, “Being part of something so meaningful is a real privilege. Seeing the joy and impact of Sammy’s Wish in-person really highlighted the importance of Wishtober, it makes you proud to be a part of a network that values the initiative so much”.
Image: Kashka Hardy (left) sharing a "cup of tea" with Sammy (right)
The goal for Barry Plant's 'Wishtober' is clear: to continue raising funds to grant life-changing wishes like Sammy's and support Make-A-Wish Australia's mission to bring hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses.
A Word from Sally Bateman
Sally Bateman, Chief Executive Officer, Make-A-Wish commented that “this Wishtober marks 10 years of incredible partnership between Barry Plant and Make-A-Wish Australia. With record numbers of new applications into our Wish program over the past year, Barry Plant’s vital support continues to make an extraordinary impact in the community, allowing wish kids and their families to create moments to look forward to and memories that will last a lifetime. We are so grateful for their ongoing support and believing in the power of a wish”.
Image [from left to right]: Mike McCarthy (Executive Director of Barry Plant), Sally Bateman (CEO of Make-A-Wish Australia), Ellie Wilson (past wish child & current Make-A-Wish Volunteer), and Barry Plant (Director of Barry Plant).
