Make-a-Wish charity welcomes 'elite' partner

Mike Bayley

Bayleys has announced an "elite sponsorship arrangement" with Make-A-Wish New Zealand as it prepares to grant its 2000th wish later this month.

Make-A-Wish New Zealand will now become the firm's principal charity in what it hopes will be a long-term partnership generating hope, strength and joy in the lives of many more children.

The charity aims to make the impossible possible by granting the wishes of children suffering from life threatening conditions.

Bayleys Foundation general manager Sue Stanaway said those young people were forced to grow up too fast and were "often robbed of much of the fun that goes with being a child".

"They are thrown into a scary and adult world and often spend months enduring countless medical treatments and operations.

"The beauty of Make-A-Wish New Zealand is that they give these children hope and excitement to mask the effects of their illness. But most importantly they give them the opportunity to be children again."

Make-A-Wish chief executive Shane Gorst said they were ecstatic to welcome Bayleys as their "first ever elite partner".

"Bayleys is supporting essential growth in our capacity and capabilities to ensure we can meet the ever-increasing need for wishes across the country..."

Bayleys managing director Mike Bayley said the company was in a strong position to offer support through fundraising and awareness-raising activities.