Sydney Markets Foundation will hold its annual Cherry Auction on Saturday, 30th November 2024, with proceeds going to this year's charity partner, Little Wings, to support seriously ill children in regional areas. Last year, the winning box raised $70,000 for the chosen charity as part of the Sydney Markets Foundation Charity Cherry Ball.
Over the past 42 years, the Cherry Auction has raised more than $1 million for Australian charities. This year's charity partner, Little Wings, provides free, safe, and professional air and ground transport for seriously ill children across regional and rural areas in NSW, the ACT, and QLD.
Stepping up to support the cause and add a touch of sparkle to the gala are Little Wings ambassadors Ava Cannon, a rising star from the popular Stan series BUMP, and rugby league legend Josh Reynolds.
"The funds raised by Sydney Markets Foundation will help support families in our regional communities to continue to access vital transport services so their kids can get to appointments, surgeries, and treatments. Having a child suffering from a serious illness is every parent's worst nightmare. Our services help make these families' lives a little bit easier as some have to travel hundreds of kilometers regularly for treatments," said Clare Pearson, CEO of Little Wings.
The Cherry Ball brings together the independent Australian fresh produce industry to celebrate and support the Sydney Markets Foundation's community work. Attendees also get the chance to participate in the highly-anticipated live Cherry Auction.
Last year, the title of 'Cherry King' went to Narinder Singh Badhan from QE Food Stores, who placed a winning bid of $50,000. This was topped up with an additional $20,000 from Sydney Markets Credit Services, raising a grand total of $70,000 for the 2023 charity partner, the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.
"The Cherry Ball is more than just a celebration of the cherry and the start of the stone fruit season; it's a chance for us to come together and change lives. By supporting Little Wings, we're not only helping children in rural and regional areas access essential care but also giving back to the growers and their families who are the heart of Sydney Markets. Every bid at the auction brings us closer to making a real impact for these brave kids and their families," said Meegan George, CEO of the Sydney Markets Foundation.
"Last year's success was inspiring, and this year we're aiming even higher to support Little Wings. Together with our corporate donors and supporters from across the industry, we believe we can make a real difference."
For more information:
Sydney Markets Foundation
Tel: +61 2 9764 3244
Email: [email protected]
www.freshmark.com.au