Virgin Australia helped Starlight Children’s Foundation grant its milestone 13,000th wish, flying 10 sick kids aged nine to 21 years and their families from all over Australia to the Great Barrier Reef on a ‘Happiness Island’ flight to Hamilton Island on 14 July 2023.
The star-studded flight included host Matty J and singer Kita Alexander while Starlight Ambassadors Timomatic, Darryl Brohman and surfer Owen Wright also welcomed the Starlight Wish recipients in the Virgin Australia lounge.
The celebrations continued with an official welcome dinner with Matty J, a surprise intimate performance from Kita Alexander and a spectacular fireworks display.
Throughout the weekend, the Hamilton Island Community provided the kids and families with unforgettable experiences, including a Whitehaven cruise, a bowling and pizza night and a beach barbecue.
Starlight CEO Louise Baxter said: “For 35 years, Starlight has been granting children their life-changing Starlight Wish. Since Virgin Australia came on board, we have seen these important moments of happiness and connection truly soar – taking children and their families on holidays they couldn’t otherwise experience.”
Travel tops wish list
Travel and holiday wishes are the most popular wish choice with almost half of Starlight Wishes involving air travel with its official Wishgranting partner, Virgin Australia.
Virgin Australia Chief Marketing Officer Libby Minogue said the airline has helped grant almost 3,000 wishes since the Starlight partnership began in 2010.
“Set against the incredible backdrop of Hamilton Island, the 13,000th Starlight Wish milestone was one to remember. From a pre-flight experience in our lounge to games onboard and surprise mid-flight entertainment, it is an incredible privilege to make the journey even more wonderful for Starlight kids and their families,” she said.
Hamilton Island has also played a part, welcoming more than 250 sick kids for their Starlight Wish over the last decade.
Hamilton Island CEO Pete Brulisauer said: “We’re delighted to see Hamilton Island play a role in the celebration of 13,000 Starlight Wishes and grateful for the opportunity to partner with Starlight and Virgin Australia to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these deserving kids.”
For more info, head to starlight.org.au
