Make-A-Wish welcomes new sponsor onboard

Make-A-Wish welcomes new sponsor onboard

Children’s charity Make-A-Wish® New Zealand has signed up a major new sponsor, P&O Cruises, in a major boost for the charity’s efforts to help children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Make-A-Wish New Zealand CEO Scott Simpson said the charity was thrilled to welcome P&O Cruises onboard, particularly given the tough economic environment.

“The global financial crisis has left charities all over the world battling to find support, so we’re delighted to have P&O Cruises join our fundraising efforts,” Mr Simpson said.

As part of the new sponsorship, Make-A-Wish New Zealand will hold an annual fundraising event aboard Pacific Sun, making use of the liner’s renowned hospitality.

The first event will be held onboard Pacific Sun on 24 March 2010, but details of the event’s format and potential guest speakers will likely remain a closely guarded secret until next year.

Established in 1986, Make-A-Wish New Zealand is part of the world’s largest wish granting organisation and has granted more than 900 wishes to New Zealand children.

“Last year alone we had the privilege of granting more than 155 sick children their most cherished wish,” Mr Simpson said.

“The support of our sponsors and our volunteer staff is crucial to ensuring we can continue to bring some hope and joy to children in need.”

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said the cruise line and its staff were very pleased to include Make-A-Wish New Zealand in its charity programme.

“We are always looking for new ways to support people and organisations that are making a positive difference in their communities, and Make-A-Wish New Zealand is a fantastic example.

“P&O Cruises is all about creating magical holiday experiences for our passengers, many of whom are family groups, so it’s great to help an organisation which is focused on putting some joy into the lives of children and their loved ones,” Ms Sherry said.

Ms Sherry said P&O Cruises’ staff were very excited about the link with Make-A-Wish New Zealand and were looking forward to helping the charity continue to create hope and happiness for children with life-threatening illnesses.

ENDS

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