Smiles were the order of the day at the KidsWish Christmas Party at Symbio Wildlife Park on Thursday with around 2000 guests lighting up the annual event with beaming smiles.

More than 600 families converged on the Park to see the sights, chat with Santa Claus, check out the animals and celebrate Christmas.

There was also a play zone, silent disco, a sport and sensory activity zone and animal feeding for the kids to enjoy.

One of the highlights of the Christmas Party was the stage show hosted by Wave FM’s breakfast duo, Jade & Damien, with the KidsRock band and local singer Annalivia Keaveny performing along with the Music Makers and KidsGroove dance groups, the KidsJammers percussion group.

Every child received a goody bag with a KidsWish drink bottle, LEGO® gift and a token to collect a toy, as well as lunch and ice-cream which was better than ever on a hot day.

A dedicated army of volunteers were amazing in helping set up the event before the big day, then by making sure everything ran smoothly at the Christmas Party and after everyone went home happy, by packing up and cleaning up at the Park.

“KidsWish supports lots of families that have children with disability, who attend many of our programs throughout the year,” said KidsWish Stakeholder Engagement and Fundraising Manager Emily Wright. 

“This event today we welcome over 600 families from the Illawarra who have children with disability.

“This is an event they all look forward to, they all come together because they know KidsWish is putting it on for them. It’s a really special day and we want to bring a lot of joy to the families we support.”

Symbio Wildlife Park chief marketing officer Kevin Fallon said it was great to see so many young faces engaging with the animals.

“It’s important for kids to connect with wildlife at a young age because they’re going to be advocates for wildlife in the future and the ones that also educate their children and it flows on down generations,” he said.

“So to be able to forge our relationship and connection with wildlife at a young age, it’s imperative.”

KidsWish is a charity organisation of The Disability Trust and is committed to fulfilling the lives of children with disability or illness and their families through supportive programs, special events and community-impact projects, with a goal of building an inclusive community that can be enjoyed by all.