More wishes granted for charity thanks to big funding boost

15-year-old Kavanna Jade. Photo / Kellie Blizard

When doctors told Kavanna Jade she might not live to see her 14th birthday she made a bucket list to take her mind off her uncertain future.

Then 12, Kavanna was suffering from upper superitory lung disease and chronic obstructive asthma - both life threatening conditions. She had been admitted to Starship CHildren's Hospital more than 200 times, the first when she was just a few weeks old.

Among Kavanna's bucket list goals was becoming an ambassador for a charity.

Now 15, the Waiheke teenager has realised that dream and has been named the first ever Make-A-Wish New Zealand child ambassador.

"When the doctor told me at 12 years old that I may not make it to 14, I knew in that moment that I wanted to share the journey of my life with other kids like me that required the strength to move forward with their lives," she said.

"I am so proud to be able to do this as the 'Wish Child' ambassador for Make-A-Wish, and I hope kids know that they are not alone in their challenge and that Make-A-Wish really does bring hope, strength and joy when it's needed most."

One of Kavanna's first ambassadorial duties was to meet with real estate company Bayleys managing director Mike Bayley to celebrate a lucrative new sponsorship for the charity.

Bayleys already supports more than 300 charities, generating in excess of $1.5 million each year for not-for-profit organisations.

Make-A-Wish New Zealand will now become the firm's principal charity and Mr Bayley hoped the partnership would bring hope, strength and joy to the lives of many more Kiwi kids struggling with life threatening conditions.

Approximately 60 per cent of children involved with Make-A-Wish New Zealand have some form of aggressive cancer and the remaining 40 percent suffer from a variety of rare and debilitating conditions.

The charity aims to make their wishes come true and give them something to focus on other than their health struggles.

With its current funding framework the foundation is able to grant just 200 wishes per year.

In partnership with Bayleys, it is now working towards granting every eligible child's wish - about 400.

"We are ecstatic to be welcoming Bayleys as our first ever elite partner, with the full spectrum of support from a partner who is well and truly aligned and committed to helping us to achieve our vision," said Make-A-Wish New Zealand chief executive Shane Gorst.

"Bayleys is supporting essential growth in our capacity and capabilities to ensure we can meet the ever-increasing need for wishes across the country. With their support we can look forward to the future with confidence that every eligible child will have the opportunity to have their one cherished wish come true."