Wishes by Wyndham Makes Dreams Come True
It was an unforgettable day when Wishes by Wyndham flew sixteen special needs children from Australia and New Zealand to the Gold Coast to make their wishes come true.
Wishes by Wyndham is a community initiative program devised and implemented by Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific. The aim of the program is to create opportunities that enrich people's lives - not only through our business ventures, but through programs that make a positive difference within the communities where Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific is based.
So on Monday 14 May 2007, an amazing team of kids, carers, staff, celebrities, media and like-minded businesses came together and proved that dreams can become realities, with the launch of Dream Day.
The kids arrived from all corners of Australia and New Zealand to participate in the activities that were planned especially for them. Most of the children had been through difficult journeys. Many had spent extended time in hospital and endured countless operations and medical procedures. It was also important for us to recognise the strength and commitment of their carers, who provide constant support to their patients.
It was an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved in the event, as one event organiser said, "We were able to watch these amazing children, who have faced unthinkable hurdles in their lives, blossom into a tight-knit bunch of smiling, happy faces in just two days. It made Dream Day a life-changing experience for organisers and the children alike."
The fabulous bunch of kids were selected through several worthy charities including The Steve Waugh Foundation, Variety the Children's Charity Tasmania, Variety the Children's Charity New Zealand, KIDS foundation, Kids Under Cover, Bear Cottage and also through radio station Mix 101FM in Melbourne.
The all-expenses paid break began on the rooftop of the Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Kirra Beach resort, where the VIP visitors watched a magical Gold Coast sunset.
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific's Associate Resort, Swell Resort, Burleigh Heads, generously donated luxury accommodation for everyone. Many businesses pitched in with goodies in gift bags for the entire crew.
Talented singer Casey Barnes performed at a welcome dinner until he was challenged for the microphone by a few of the eager kids! Then it was off to Dreamworld, with the theme park generously opening its doors for the whole team. After an exclusive breakfast and slide show, Bollywood actress Tania Zaetta, World Ironwoman Champion, Kristy Munroe and Casey Barnes joined the kids to hit the rides for the day.
A lunch time surprise was held at the Big Brother stage where Friday Night Live hosts Bree Amer and Mike Goldman joined the children and happily signed and posed for photos.
Highlights of the day included viewing the tiger cubs, visiting Wiggle World and challenging each other to take on the Tower of Terror. For many, especially the parents, the highlight was seeing their children carefree and laughing for the entire experience.
At 4pm, the last of the children boarded the bus back to Swell Resort, some drenched from rapid rides and others contently tired.
Dinner was held poolside at Swell and Gold Coast Titan, Daniel Conn surprised the weary travellers. The evening was spent eating pizza donated by Domino's, reminiscing about the day and swimming in the pool.
Come Wednesday, no one wanted to leave but with a combination of smiling faces, heartfelt hugs and tears of joy - evidence that the trip had been a huge success, they were all on their way.
The Wishes by Wyndham team was thrilled to be able to organise the break that these worthy kids and carers more than deserved.
By contributing time, skills, knowledge and resources to people and causes, Wishes by Wyndham will continue to provide assistance and community support in order to positively enhance the lives of those who need it most.
