18 Jun 2024

Building Hope, One Smile at a Time: The Impact of Starlight Foundation

Starlight Foundation has been actively working to enhance its impact through various events and partnerships. Discover its initiatives in the article.

Catalyser

As the end of the financial year approaches, we met with Rania Saddi, from Starlight Foundation to discuss their initiatives and goals for the upcoming year.

Key Initiatives and Achievements:

Starlight Foundation has been actively working to enhance its impact through various events and partnerships. Some of their recent efforts include:

Increased Number of Events: Starlight has ramped up its events, including golf days, soccer events, and marathons, particularly in New South Wales. These events play a crucial role in fundraising and community engagement.

Social Media Strategy: There has been a significant focus on improving their social media presence. Starlight has adopted a more strategic approach, sharing content that resonates deeply with their audience. This shift has led to increased engagement and a broader reach, especially on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Starlight Express Room Expansion: Starlight is expanding its Starlight Express Room in Randwick, creating a more welcoming environment for children in hospitals. This expansion includes building an outdoor section to enhance the experience for young patients.

Healthier Futures Program: This program focuses on preventative health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Starlight aims to secure funding to expand this initiative into New South Wales, ensuring more children receive essential health check-ups.

Impact in 2023:

In 2023, Starlight Foundation achieved remarkable growth and impact:

1. Positive Experiences: Starlight created over 1.9 million positive Starlight experiences, a 48% increase compared to the previous year.

2. Captain Starlight: This program continues to be a vital source of joy and distraction for children undergoing treatment, with increased demand for the Captains on Call program.

3. Livewire Program: This program provides social connection and support for teens in hospitals, including mental health units.

4. Starlight Wish: A Starlight Wish is granted every day, bringing happiness and lasting memories to sick children and their families.

5. Healthier Futures Initiative: This initiative positively engages children with healthcare in remote communities, improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

6. Starlight Express Rooms: These rooms in every children’s hospital provide a haven for sick kids and their families, offering a place to connect and have fun away from the clinical environment.

7. Planet Starlight: This virtual platform allows sick kids to connect with Captain Starlight anytime, anywhere, spreading joy across Australia.

8. Starlight Moments: This program creates special experiences for families with children in palliative care, partnering with Palliative Care teams to bring unique moments of connection and joy.

Plans and Focus for FY25:

Looking ahead, Starlight Foundation has set ambitious goals for the next financial year:

1. Simplicity and Efficiency: The foundation is streamlining its operations to be more efficient, focusing on reducing complexity and improving processes.

2. Expansion of Programs: Continuing to grow initiatives like the Starlight Express Room and Healthier Futures program to reach more children in need.

3. Enhanced Corporate Engagement: Encouraging more businesses to participate in their campaigns and support their mission through various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Corporate Partnerships and Support:

Corporate support is vital for the success of Starlight’s programs. The collaboration with Catalyser aims to encourage businesses to allocate their remaining social impact budgets towards meaningful causes. Companies can support Starlight through various means, including:

Workplace Giving: Employees can contribute a portion of their salary to Starlight, providing a steady stream of support.

Sponsoring Programs: Businesses can sponsor specific programs like Healthy Futures, helping to expand their reach and impact.

Cause-Related Marketing: Companies can donate a percentage of their sales to Starlight, which not only supports the foundation but also enhances the company's appeal to socially conscious consumers.

Fundraisers: Participating in or organising fundraisers can significantly boost Starlight’s resources and visibility.

Engaging Employees and Promoting Starlight:

To maximise the impact of corporate support, it’s crucial to engage employees and raise awareness about Starlight’s work. Companies can:

Host Information Sessions: Invite Starlight representatives to speak with employees about the foundation’s mission and impact.

Leverage Internal Communications: Use newsletters, intranet, and other internal communication channels to share stories and updates about Starlight’s initiatives.

Volunteer Opportunities: Encourage employees to volunteer with Starlight, providing hands-on support and fostering a deeper connection with the cause.

Final thoughts

The collaboration between Starlight Foundation and Catalyser for the EOFY campaign underscores their shared commitment to improving the lives of children across Australia. By raising funds and enhancing awareness, they aim to expand their reach and ensure that more children receive the care and support they need. As the campaign unfolds, the support of corporate partners and the broader community will be instrumental in helping Starlight achieve its goals and make a lasting impact.

For more information and to get involved, contact Catalyser.