Symbio Wildlife Park has had an overwhelming response to a pay-it-forward NSW Discover Voucher initiative that has helped raise $1.2 million in entry tickets at the zoo for four children's charities
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They include the recently renamed KidsWish being able to host an even bigger children's Christmas party at the wildlife park this year at no cost to the charity.
Symbio marketing manager Kevin Fallon said the initiative involved encouraging people to not let their unused Discover vouchers go to waste but pay them forward to help children in need discover wild life and be kids once again during COVID-19.
When the NSW Government Dine & Discover initiative was extended Symbio partnered with Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation, The Starlight Foundation, Variety, and KidsWish.
Mr Fallon came up with the idea after hearing the stories of families at last year's KidzWish Christmas Party who told him how the Illawarra children's charity had helped them.
He saw the extension of the Dine & Discover Vouchers as an opportunity to significantly give back to those most vulnerable in the community.
It was a way to do provide a bright opportunity for the children and families to look forward to while at the same time contributing to vital conservation work being done at the small family run zoo.
Mr Fallon said during COVID-19 it was more important than ever for children who are sick, disadvantaged, or with a disability, to have a day where they can rediscover the true joy of childhood.
"What better way than interacting with wildlife and creating memories that will last a lifetime, with those you treasure the most," he said.
Mr Fallon was blown away by the response after he put the call out to anyone with an unused Discover Voucher who might want to help Symbio brighten up a child in need's life. He said thousands of people saw it as a way to do a random-act-of-kindness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
So many people went online to redeem their unused NSW Discover Vouchers by choosing one of the nominated children's charities as the recipients of their $25 Gift Pass, that $1.2 million in entry tickets have already been donated to the four charities.
"We are up to 14,800 redemptions," Mr Fallon said.
"It is an amazing response. It has surpassed all my expectations.
"The community has taken ownership of it as well. And the charities have helped spread the word.
"It all shows how one random act of kindness at a time can really make a difference. In this case everyone has done one and it is making such a positive change on a scale that is absolutely incredible. So many children are going to benefit from this."
Each redemption means a chosen charity is issued two-entry passes to Symbio Wildlife Park valued at $78. The zoo absorbs the price difference to allow as many children and families to benefit from the initiative as possible.
Mr Fallon said the initiative will run until the end of August.
Which means many more children are going to benefit from such community generosity.
"We will probably end up with $1.5 million worth of entry tickets," he said.
Mr Fallon said the initiative was launched at a time when fundraising was difficult for charities and people didn't have as much money to donate to good causes.
KidsWish fundraising and events manager Renee Hawira said because of the success of the pay-it-forward initiative the annual KidsWish Christmas Party will be not only be able to be held at the family run zoo at no cost to the charity or the families involved in December. But will be able to welcome more families and children during a year where events and activities have been so limited.
"Symbio Wildlife Park chose KidsWish as one of their recipients of the recent Discover NSW voucher initiative which will contribute to park entries for KidsWish families," she said.
"We are so appreciative for the support of Symbio through the NSW Dine and Discover initiative.
"It has been an amazing way for the community to give back through these unprecedented times and it will give us the opportunity to welcome many more KidsWish families to celebrate and enjoy our Christmas Party at the beautiful Wildlife Park.
"The event this year will include all the exciting features from past Christmas parties including entertainment, lunch, a visit from Santa and of course a Christmas present for each child."
Ms Hawira said The KidzWish Foundation has also launched a new look and feel for the new chapter in its history as a member of The Disability Trust.
She said The KidzWish Foundation recently recognised a need to join forces with a larger organisation to continue providing high-quality services to children and families in the complex, fast-growing and competitive market created by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Following an extensive search for an organisation that aligned in values and brand DNA, the KidzWish management and Board chose to merge with The Disability Trust and rebrand the home grown children's charity. That has included a slightly different spelling of the name to KidsWish.
Ms Hawira said the merger has provided both organisations the opportunity to deliver continuity of care across a lifetime, so children have clinical consistency and feel supported as they enter adulthood.
She said the re-branded KidsWish organisation is dedicated to fulfilling the lives of young people with a disability or illness and their families through appeals, supportive programs and inclusive events - enabling them to thrive and experience joy.
"Under the new KidsWish banner we will still be providing supportive programs to KidsWish families, as well some new exciting inclusive events to cater to the needs of young people with a disability or illness," she said.
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