It was a crowd any sporting team would love.
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Peter Pan, the original Yellow Wiggle Greg Page and Santa in his Toot Toot Chugga Chugga Big Red Sleigh, Star Wars and much more put on a show to more than 4300 screaming fans that nearly lifted the roof off the WIN Entertainment Centre.
Part of the entertainment at the KidzWish Christmas Party
The children with a sickness, disadvantage or a disability responded waving colourful florescent lights and screaming with joy.
It was a day where they and their carers could put everything else aside and just enjoy the generosity that included a free lunch provided by McDonalds restaurants across the Illawarra.
More than 20,000 chicken nuggets were distributed by more than 400 volunteers who also acted as ushers.
In fact the 12th annual KidzWish Children’s Christmas Party was so big Chris Beaven and her team are planning to put on two shows in 2016 so even more children can enjoy the special day that happens once a year.
The magic was created by performers such as Greg Page, Scott Radburn, Jennifer Gray and Trent Bowater to name a few.
Page said he was keen to keep coming back and being involved because there was nothing else like it in Australia.
And he just loves doing it for the kids.
There was a KidzWish ‘Peter Pan’ Pantomime that had Peter Pan and Tinkerbell flying in above thousands of happy children who created an energy that had the whole auditorium buzzing.
Other guests performers were Laserman, Ronald McDonald and the KidzWish Fairy.
Marketing manager Karouna Micheal described it as the best Christmas party to date.
But he said it was only possible because of a massive community effort to give children in difficult circumstances an unforgettable day they will remember and treasure forever.
“All this wouldn’t be possible without the support from our community,” Mr Michael said.
“Special thanks to the 400 volunteers who put their hands up to help and all the sponsors and donors who helped fund this unique event. Our volunteers rallied together to set up the event, to ushering guests into the venue, to helping with catering and handing out thousands of toys.”
McDonald’s Illawarra was the major sponsor but other financial support came from Stockland and the QBE Foundation.
McDonalds Wollongong operations manager Alberta D’Amico said the Christmas party was a fantastic way to celebrate the festive season with local families doing it a little tougher than many.