UPDATE: The first family to benefit from the record-breaking $260,000 raised at the 2025 Cherry Ball has taken to the skies, marking the launch of over 170 life-changing missions in the coming year. This urgent initiative aims to support families with seriously ill children across New South Wales and beyond.
Five-year-old Oscar Cherry from Armidale is the first child to receive assistance through these funds. Born with cystic fibrosis (CF), Oscar requires frequent medical care, including quarterly visits to the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic and hospital admissions at John Hunter Children’s Hospital in Newcastle.
Thanks to the charity partner Little Wings, Oscar and his family can now travel at no cost for essential medical appointments. This includes both air and ground transport, as well as specialized support like strollers and car seats, significantly easing the burden on families.
Oscar’s mother, Carmen, expressed her gratitude, stating, “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.”
For the second consecutive year, all proceeds from the Sydney Markets Foundation Cherry Auction were donated to Little Wings, which provides vital transport services for seriously ill children across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Queensland. The organization has recently expanded its reach to the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, and South Australia. Remarkably, 90% of their operations are volunteer-led, showcasing the community’s commitment to this essential service.
Clare Pearson, CEO of Little Wings, highlighted the immediate impact of the funds: “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.”
Meegan George, CEO of the Sydney Markets Foundation, emphasized the community’s generosity: “This year’s record-breaking auction result of $260,000 demonstrates the generosity of our community and ensures children in regional areas can access the vital care they need, no matter the distance.”
These developments represent a critical lifeline for families facing the challenges of serious health conditions. As the new missions unfold, the importance of community support for initiatives like this could not be clearer. The funds raised are set to transform the lives of many, offering hope and much-needed medical care to children in need.
This story is developing, and further updates will follow as the missions begin. Stay tuned for more information on how these funds will directly impact families throughout the region.
