Tonight, current and past students of Bonython Primary School and their surrounding community, will get into the Halloween spirit with local trick-or-treating — and raise funds for ‘Hallowish’, a community fundraising initiative that supports critically ill children to achieve wishes that create happy moments and memories.
Charlotte and Thomas have teamed up with their friend Harriett and her family to create a spooky Halloween house — “The Witch’s Lair” — and to raise funds.
Harriet, now a vibrant young teen, was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome and cystic fibrosis at birth — a combination of critical illnesses so rare that she is the only child in Australia to struggle with both.
Harriett’s life has revolved around daily medication, therapies, and countless surgeries. The impacts on her body and overall wellbeing are significant. Even participating in regular activities that most children and parents take for granted can be challenging.
In 2022, the Make a Wish Foundation — a children’s charity that grants life-changing wishes for kids with critical illnesses — paid for Harriett and her family to travel to Queensland to visit a butterfly sanctuary, so Harriett could see her favourite Ulysses butterfly.
Harriett’s mother Melissa is a tireless crusader for both her daughter and other children experiencing chronic illnesses and disabilities. She wants the community to know what a difference a wish can make.
“Make-A-Wish gave us something to look forward to when Harriett was having tough days with hospital appointments, treatments at home, and just life in general. Even though her wish was three years ago, we still reflect on the activities and fun we had as a family.”
This week, ACT Labor MLAs Caitlin Tough and Taimus Werner-Gibbings MLA visited the Bonython Witch’s Lair to meet the kids behind the fundraiser.
“Every dollar goes directly to helping more children experience the joy of a wish fulfilled,” Ms Tough said. “Helping them help other kids get a wish is super easy. Donate and be the difference. This is a grassroots effort born from friendship, compassion, and a love for our community.”
The families involved were delighted to see politicians, local community, and businesses get behind the campaign. They ask people to donate directly using the Bonython Witch’s Lair link – to see if they can smash their fundraising goal:
https://fundraise.makeawish.org.au/fundraisers/BonythonWitchLair/hallowish
Trick-or-Treaters are welcome at the Witch’s Lair, Tarlton Place, Bonython tonight from 5pm until late.
In Conder, Halloween on Templestowe is also raising money for Red Nose.
