AUT Students And Make-a-Wish Collaborate

Press Release

Thursday 25th September 2014

AUT students and Make-A-Wish New Zealand collaborate to establish annual appeal day

AUT University students will work with Make-A-Wish ® during ‘I Wish I Was’ Day on Friday 26th September in a pilot initiative. The fantasy day will provide an opportunity for future campaigns for Make-A-Wish and help grant the special wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Five postgraduate public relations students running the AUT agency ‘Outside The Square’ (OTS) will help organisations and community groups to participate in ‘I Wish I Was’ Day. ‘I Wish I Was’ Day is an opportunity for organisations, community groups and schools to dress up as whatever they wish they could be. It’s all about having fun, while raising valuable funds for a great cause.

Make-A-Wish New Zealand is an affiliate of a global organisation represented in over 50 countries that collectively grant a wish every 23 minutes.

Make-A-Wish Event and Community Funding Coordinator, Olivia Yule, said, “I Wish I Was Day is an opportunity for organisations and schools to dress up and have fun, all while raising valuable funds for a great cause. We are delighted at the opportunity to work with AUT students on this fantastic idea!"”

Students running OTS for the campaign are calling on Auckland businesses and community groups to dress up with the goal of granting more wishes. Businesses and community groups will take part in a Facebook photo competition judged by previous Make-A-Wish recipient, Hazel.

Check out the 'I Wish I Was' Day Facebook page

Four years ago Hazel contracted neurological encephalitis, a debilitating and life threatening illness. Her wish was to meet Karen Walker and the acclaimed designer went on to be her fashion career mentor. Hazel’s story.

The collaboration between Make-A-Wish and the AUT Public Relations students provides an opportunity for students to do pro bono work for charity and become industry ready.

This year the Postgraduate public relations students are working on a brief for Make-A-Wish New Zealand, Surf Life Saving Northland and Mercy Ships the travelling hospital.

Make-A-Wish grants the special wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to bring hope, strength and joy at a very difficult time in their lives. Make-A-Wish relies on the generous support of individual donors, corporate partners, suppliers and volunteers to grant over 200 wishes every year, all over New Zealand.

ENDS

© Scoop Media