A Message From Gerard
Gerard Menses
CEO
I can’t believe how quickly the year has flown by. Mid-way into 2014, we continue to build on
the success of last year with both our budget and wish numbers well on track. We remain keen to
deliver another 500 quality wishes this year, as we continue to build towards our goal of 2,000
wishes a year.
We have been putting emphasis on simplifying and streamlining our operations to make them more cost
effective. Through natural turnover we have been able to reorganise and save a number of positions at senior
levels. The executive team is now working with the Board to revisit our next three years of activity.
Our passionate belief is that every child deserves a wish to maximise their chance of winning their fight against
their life-threatening condition. One of the factors essential to such success is the strength of our name and
brand in the minds of the community. We have been working to raise awareness of the fact that our wishes
are an essential part of the medical process. We want people to know Make-A-Wish is more than “a lovely
organisation doing nice things for really sick children”.
To help form a strategy to achieve the above, we surveyed key stakeholder groups to find out how they
perceived Make-A-Wish. The survey included donors, staff, supporters and importantly, you, our volunteers.
It was encouraging to find that most people thought we are doing a good job; that we are ethical and
trustworthy; and that people are resonating with the notion of hope, strength and joy in terms of the power of
a wish. Survey participants felt other charities might be doing more important work, but that we are a leader
in the charity field.
We are now being supported by the newly formed Wish Council. The Wish Council is a group of highly effective
marketers who are coming together and donating their time to help us with our work. Amongst other things the
Council will use the survey results to refine a great call to action to attract funds needed to deliver more wishes.
Finally congratulations to the Adelaide branch for setting a new record. Their recent ball netted over $135,000.
What a magnificent effort!
We are excited to share updates as we move forward, and in the meantime, here’s to a fantastic second half
of 2014. ■
Volunteer Newsletter | Issue 4 2014
Page 2