The Queensland Division of the Institute of Municipal Management launched the ‘Mow A CEO’ fund raising drive, on behalf of the Make A Wish Foundation, at its State Conference last October.
“The Institute, through its members and corporate supporters, is in a position to be able to assist the Foundation achieve its aims”, said Tony Wehlow, Executive Director of Queensland IMM.
“For this reason IMM decided to raise $15,000 for the Foundation, through ‘Mow A CEO’.”
The aim of the Make A Wish Foundation is to bring magic and joy to children with life threatening illness, by granting their most cherished wishes, and to create precious lasting memories for their families.
The Make A Wish Foundation originated in the United States in 1980.
It grew from the dreams of a young boy, Chris Grecius, who had leukemia and wanted to be a patrolman. US Agent, Scott Stall and his colleagues worked to make the boy’s wish come true with a custom made uniform, helmet and badge.
They inducted him into the force and gave him a ride in a police cruiser and a police helicopter.
That one child’s special delight in his dream come true provided the inspiration for the Foundation.
In Australia, the Foundation was launched from the Queen Victoria Hospital, Melbourne, in 1985 after two life insurance agents attended a conference in the USA where they learnt about the work of the Make A Wish Foundation.
The Foundation receives no government funding and relies solely on financial support from businesses, service and sporting clubs, the community and 600 volunteers across the country.
Children’s wishes are limited only by their imagination and vary from family holidays, computers, cubby houses, television/video units, being a princess for a day, a pet, swimming with dolphins or meeting their favourite celebrity.
The Foundation has granted over 2,000 wishes since establishing in Australia, at an average cost of $7,000 per wish.
“A bald Executive Director may not be the prettiest thing that you see, but just remember, I have a choice, many of the kids being helped by the Foundation do not,” Tony Wehlow said.
“In October this year, when the funds are raised, I, along with other CEO’s will be ‘mown’ at the 50th anniversary conference in Brisbane.
“I encourage everyone to dig deep for this worthy cause.” All Donations are tax deductible.
