AUT Students And Make-a-Wish New Zealand Collaborate on a Goal to Establish Annual Appeal Day.
AUT University students will test ‘I Wish I Was’ Day this September 26th; the event is proposed to become an annual
appeal in April 2015 and provide resources to grant more wishes for children with life threatening medical illnesses.
Five postgraduate public relations students will test key messaging around the event, with the hope of it becoming an
annual appeal in alliance with World Wish Day in April 2015. World Wish Day is a chance for Make-A-Wish’s affiliates in
50 countries and territories to celebrate the great work they do, granting on average one wish every 23 minutes
worldwide.
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”
Students running the AUT agency ‘Outside The Square’ for the campaign are calling on Auckland businesses and community
groups to dress up as what they wish to be, with the common goal of granting more wishes.
Businesses and Community groups will take part in a Facebook photo competition judged by previous wish recipient, Hazel
Redmond, what she deems to be the most creative photo/dress up combo, wins.
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 mentor.
Karen Walker said, “That’s what was really intriguing about her wish (Hazel), it wasn’t just something to enjoy on the
day, it had the opportunity to grow into other things”
An important aspect of the collaboration between Make-A-Wish and AUT Public Relations students is that it provides an
opportunity for students to do pro bono work for charity and become industry ready.
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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 New Zealand, established in 1986, grants over 200 wishes every year with the help of over 100 volunteers to
help bring hope, strength and joy during a very challenging time in the children’s lives.
ENDS