Helping seriously sick kids from the bush get access to critical medical treatment
For many children in rural and regional Australia living with cancer or chronic illness, life means countless trips to majoy cities for specialised treatment. These journeys are exhausting, expensive, and often heartbreaking for families already doing it tough.
Little Wings is an incredible not-for-profit organisation that provides free flights and ground transport for sick children across New South Wales, the ACT, and Queensland. Their mission is to ease the financial burden on families, reduce stress, and make sure kids spend less time on the road and more time where it matters most - at home with family and friends.
In FY2024 alone, Little Wings completed 2,371 journeys contributed over 19,024 volunteered hours - an incredible feat.
GIVIT is proud to support Little Wings by connecting them with essential items and resources that keep their service running smoothly. Together, we’re not just moving people - we’re delivering hope, comfort, and care to families who need it most.
Flying hope: How Little Wings and GIVIT supported the Carty family
For 17-year-old Shamika Carty, life has been a relentless battle. Living with end-stage kidney disease, Shamika travels twice a week from her home to Randwick Children’s Hospital for dialysis - a journey that has defined her world for the past year and a half. Her mother, Shannon, is her full-time carer, unable to work while caring for Shamika and their large family.
The strain on the Carty family has been immense. A few years ago, mould and water damage condemned their home, forcing them to start over with nothing. “We lost everything,” Shannon recalls. Thanks to the generosity of GIVIT donors, Shannon's story turned from one of loss to one of hope.
“Little Wings reached out and asked if we needed anything, and I said mattresses", said Shannon. Within days, GIVIT donors made it happen. "We were gifted mattresses - it’s very kind and I appreciate it so much.”
Sally Perry, GIVIT's NSW and ACT Manager said: “In the past five years, GIVIT has facilitated almost 13,000 essential items worth nearly $150,000 for Little Wings recipients. Small donations at the right time can have a big impact - and this partnership proves that.”
Clare Pearson, CEO of Little Wings, added: “Little Wings works every day to ease the journey for families, but we cannot do it all. That’s why collaborations like ours with GIVIT are so key. Together, we fill the unseen gaps and empower families during their most challenging times.”
From NICU stress to backyard smiles
When a family of five eagerly awaited the arrival of their newest member, they never imagined the journey ahead. Their baby girl arrived far too soon - born at just 25 weeks and urgently flown 730km away to a hospital for life-saving care.
For over three months, Mum stayed by her tiny fighter’s side in the NICU, while Dad remained at home juggling work, household routines, and caring for three young children. The emotional strain was immense, and the financial pressure of maintaining two homes did not allow much room for luxuries.
Amid the stress and separation, GIVIT donors gave this family something priceless: joy. Thanks to generosity, GIVIT provided a trampoline for the kids at home - a simple gift that brought laughter back into their days. For three little ones missing Mum and their baby sister, those moments of jumping and giggling became a lifeline of happiness during a time filled with worry.
The fridge/freezer that helped a family bounce back
For this 3-year old girl, life has been anything but simple. Born with a lifelong, complex medical condition, she and her family regularly travel six hours to major cities for the care she needs to thrive. The emotional and financial strain of caring for a chronically ill child has been immense - and recently, things became even harder.
Floods swept through their region, destroying nearly everything they owned and leaving their home in disrepair. With nowhere stable to stay, the family moved from house to house, relying on the kindness of friends and temporary accommodation. Through it all, they’ve tried to stay positive, but rebuilding felt overwhelming.
Thanks to the generosity of GIVIT donors, we provided a fridge/freezer to the family so that they could safely store food and medication, easing the daily stress and helping them feel a little more settled during a time of chaos. Just one essential item restored dignity, created stability, and reminded a family that they are not alone.
A partnership that gives sick kids wings
Little Wings has been registered with GIVIT since 2018, and has received a range of urgently needed items and vouchers in that time. Little Wings CEO, Clare Pearson calls GIVIT "silent heroes," working in the shadows to make life a little easier for rural families who really need a helping hand.
GIVIT regularly provides much-needed items to the people that Little Wings Supports, including nappies, formula, prams, grocery vouchers and back to school supplies.
Giving back to little Aussies and their families
Brock, like all of Little Wings' pilots and shuttle drivers, is a volunteer. He's a big believer in giving back to those who are disadvantaged only because of their postcode.
"Flying these families in and out is incredibly satisfying. In a way, we start to feel a little bit like family. Some families are travelling several times with us, we really start to get to know these families, and it's so rewarding to be able to see them come back and be able to know we're helping that little bit more in their journey."
The smart way to give
Little Wings are one of over 5,000 frontline organisations doing priceless work in the community with the help of GIVIT's generous donors.
These are the incredible organisations you're supporting when you donate items, money or time through GIVIT. See how you can help vulnerable Aussies right now at https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ways-to-give/whats-needed.
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