What do you get when you mix heart, a little magic, and a dash of superhero sparkle? A moment of joy, a spark of fun and a lasting memory for families doing it tough. That's exactly what The Lott's $350,000 donation to Starlight Children's Foundation will help deliver.
This donation, made possible through unclaimed prize money from Golden Casket and Tatts NT, is about much more than dollars, it's about giving children and families facing serious illness a reason to smile. Since 2008, Australia's Official Lotteries have proudly contributed over $4 million to support Starlight.
Through Starlight's Wishgranting Program, seriously ill children are granted once-in-a-lifetime experiences that lift the whole family. These wishes offer a break from the hospital routine and an emotional break - replacing stress with joy, fear with excitement, and uncertainty with precious memories.
Our $250,000 contribution will help grant 33 more Starlight Wishes-giving 33 more families something extraordinary to look forward to.
"Starlight Wishes give sick kids something to look forward to during the toughest times," said Starlight QLD partnerships manager, Danica Bennett. "Thanks to The Lott, these families will make memories they'll treasure forever."
Our support doesn't stop there.
We're also continuing our $100,000 contribution to Starlight's Healthier Futures Initiative through Tatts NT. This program brings Captain Starlight to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, transforming clinical settings into spaces of fun, laughter, and happiness.
Captain Starlight's presence makes healthcare feel more welcoming for kids, encouraging participation in vital check-ups and boosting community engagement in the healthcare system.
One doctor in the Northern Territory captured the impact perfectly:
"In all the years I've known this young fella, that's the most I've ever heard him talk!"
The Lott Partnerships Manager Liz McPherson said the impact of both Starlight's Wishgranting program and Healthier Futures Initiative is profound, bringing light and hope to children and families during their toughest times.
'No matter what challenges a child is facing, they still deserve moments of joy-and that's exactly what makes Starlight's mission so incredibly important and why we are so proud to continue to support Starlight and celebrate Starlight Day with them" she said.
This year, The Lott retailers across the country are showing their support by dressing their stores and their teams in Starlight's purple and yellow and allowing their community, to donate directly to Starlight in their store.
Play For Purpose - Starlight Children's Foundation
Want to help even more families? Purchase a Play For Purpose ticket - 50 per cent goes directly to your chosen charity (like Starlight), and you could win a $250,000 First Prize Pack!
