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10 December 2009
Lend Lease and The Starlight Children's Foundation Grant Local Family's Wish
A new gazebo and day bed built by Lend Lease volunteer employees was unveiled at the Zrelica household this morning as part of the organisation’s 14th annual Community Day. Lend Lease teamed up with the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s Wishgranting program to make a once-in-a-lifetime wish come true for Khadijeh.
Six year-old Khadijeh has been battling neuroaxonal dystrophy since 2007. Her condition affects her physically in a way that she is non-communicative and is confined to an electric wheelchair. Her condition also means that she is unable to be exposed to sunlight, which affects her ability to enjoy social and other family outings and experiences, even in her own backyard.
Despite Khadijeh’s condition, she enjoys sensory experiences including plants and other flora which appeal to her senses. Khadijeh longs to be able to enjoy social activities. She would love to be able to have the opportunity to enjoy daily time in her own backyard with her family. Khadijeh’s Starlight Wish was to have her own backyard makeover which includes a gazebo and day bed with wheelchair access. This enables her to enjoy outdoor experiences within her sanctuary at home.
Lend Lease Community Day encourages all Lend Lease employees around the world to give something back to the communities in which they live and work. Employees nominate their own project and create teams to work with the community group or cause. Activities can include helping senior citizens, the homeless people, people with disabilities, the environment, working with children/youth and animals.
Community Day is therefore a strong match with the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s Wishgranting Program which contributes so much to the community. A Starlight Wish is like a dream come true for seriously ill children and their families. Sharing a special experience like this brings a family together – one which will stay with them forever.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation, Head of Partnerships, Anne Johnston said, “It’s through partners like Lend Lease who enable Starlight to make a difference to the lives of seriously ill children at a time when they need it most. We really appreciate their support in this time of economic hardship.”
Lend Lease employees from the site team delivering the Liverpool Hospital redevelopment pitched in with subcontractors Gazebos Galore and Homebrook Constructions to build the gazebo and day bed setting for the family’s backyard.
Bovis Lend Lease, the project management, design and construction arm of the Lend Lease Group, is the Managing Contractor for the design and construction of the major redevelopment of Liverpool Hospital, in a contract valued at $296 million.
Darren Power, Bovis Lend Lease Site Manager for the Liverpool Hospital redevelopment, was the team leader of the group responsible for facilitating the gazebo project and was proud to work with the Starlight Children’s Foundation to create something for the whole family to enjoy.
“We’ve developed a strong relationship with the local community through our work on Liverpool Hospital and it’s always pleasing to be able to give something back,” said Darren.
Officially held on September 24, this year was Lend Lease’s 14th consecutive Community Day, and since the initiative began in 1996, employees have volunteered over 425,000 hours. Community Day is about using employees’ time, energy and skills, and the experience helps to create a strong team spirit, and employees unanimously agree – this is an immensely rewarding experience.
Starlight’s Wishgranting program is just one of many programs which help to brighten the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children. You can help bring fun and laughter to more seriously ill children by supporting Starlight’s Christmas appeal.
Every day during this Christmas period over 400 seriously ill children will be admitted to hospitals across Australia. Starlight needs to raise $1.5 million to connect every seriously ill child to the joy of Christmas. Donate today. Visit starlight.org.au and call 1300 727 827.
For further information please contact:
James Lopez
Bovis Lend Lease
(02) 9236 6136 | Courtney Cox
Starlight Children’s Foundation
(02) 8425 5994
Or
Media enquires
Jemma Hawksford
Starlight Children’s Foundation
(02) 8425 5933 |
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