Australia’s leading law firm, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, has today donated $150,000 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation to support its new Livewire program for teenagers.
Livewire is a safe, secure and fun online community for young people aged between 10 and 20 living with a serious illness, a chronic condition or disability. It provides a place for young people to escape reality, creatively express themselves, interact and share experiences with each other.
Mallesons’ donation will enable Starlight to expand this program with the addition of Livewire kiosks and Livewire on Wheels consoles.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation was formed 20 years ago to support the children and families of children with serious illnesses.
Since 2001, Mallesons has contributed more than $200,000 to Starlight through the firm’s Workplace Giving program, which enables partners and employees to make regular contributions to preferred charities.
Mallesons Chief Executive Partner, Robert Milliner, said the firm was proud to be associated with the groundbreaking work that Starlight does for young people in hospitals.
“Mallesons is committed to being involved in the communities in which we operate, whether that be via financial support, pro bono work or volunteering.”
“As a parent, I am well aware that children gravitate towards technology and I therefore congratulate Starlight on utilising an online network that will appeal to teenagers,” Mr Milliner said.
Starlight’s Chief Executive, Jill Weekes, said the Foundation was extremely pleased to receive the Mallesons donation as the Livewire project requires significant investment.
“Mallesons’ support is invaluable in enabling Starlight to support the Livewire program in eight hospitals around Australia. We can now develop dedicated Livewire access terminals to bring the community to teens in hospitals, helping to reduce their feelings of isolation and connect them with their peers.”
In 2007, Mallesons donated $150,000 to SANE Australia as part of its continued commitment to supporting selected charities in the community. Mr Milliner will present the cheque to Starlight at the Starlight Express Room at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick on 1 September 2008.
For further information, please contact Annelise Cleary +61 2 9296 3758.