A significant achievement for child healthcare in Australia has emerged from the recent 44th Annual Cherry Auction, which raised a record-breaking $260,000. This funding will enable over 170 life-changing missions for children in need of medical assistance over the next year.
The first family to benefit from this remarkable initiative is the Cherry family from Armidale. Their five-year-old son, Oscar Cherry, has cystic fibrosis (CF), a chronic condition that affects both the respiratory and digestive systems. Oscar has required ongoing medical attention since birth, necessitating frequent visits to the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic every three months, along with occasional hospital admissions at John Hunter Children’s Hospital in Newcastle.
With the help of charity partner Little Wings, Oscar and his family can access essential medical appointments at no cost. The organization provides both air and ground transport, accommodating specific needs such as strollers and car seats. Since beginning their journeys with Little Wings in July 2022, the Cherry family has found the service indispensable.
“Oscar has been flying to the hospital every three months for appointments and treatments since 2022, and the support has taken such a huge weight off our shoulders,” said Oscar’s mother, Carmen Cherry. “We honestly don’t know how we would manage without Little Wings. Knowing we can get him the care he needs safely, without the stress and cost of long road trips, means everything to our family.”
The Sydney Markets Foundation has committed to donating all proceeds from the Cherry Auction to Little Wings for the second consecutive year. The organization offers free transport services for seriously ill children across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Queensland, with recent expansions into the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, and South Australia. The initiative is primarily volunteer-driven, with 90 percent of services provided by volunteers, including pilots and drivers who donate their time and skills.
Clare Pearson, Chief Executive Officer of Little Wings, expressed gratitude for the generous contributions from the community. “Every single dollar counts, and these much-needed funds allow us to maximize the impact of our work as we continue to expand our services and support even more families,” Pearson stated. “We are incredibly grateful to the Sydney Markets Foundation and everyone who supported the Cherry Auction this year.”
Meegan George, CEO of the Sydney Markets Foundation, highlighted the significance of the auction’s outcome. “This year’s record-breaking auction result of $260,000 demonstrates the generosity of our community and ensures children in regional and rural areas can access the vital care they need, no matter the distance,” she noted. “Every bid truly changes lives, and this result showcases the way our community has joined forces and dug deep, surpassing all expectations.”
As Oscar’s journey begins, the funds raised will not only support his medical needs but will also positively impact many other families facing similar challenges throughout the country. The commitment to ensuring access to essential healthcare resources for children in need remains a top priority, showcasing the power of community support in transforming lives.
