Who we are and how we started

Little Dreamers was started in 2002, by Rebecca Abelman and

Madeleine Buchner (both aged 9). For six years, Little Dreamers raised

money by holding functions and donating the proceeds to various

charities. In 2008, Little Dreamers decided to venture out into new

waters by becoming a registered charity organisation. The two

founders are now 18 years old and continue to support this worthy

cause. One of the major benefits of becoming a charitable

organization includes being able to deal directly with the people in

need, having more control over where the money is directed,

therefore helping people to improve their lives. As a result of this, Little

Dreamers is now able to have face-to-face contact with the children

that it is helping. To date, Little Dreamers has successfully raised over

$25,000. This has been accomplished by hosting fundraisers including

children’s’ fashion parades, functions at Hard Rock Café and The

Plaster Fun House, a sports clinic, movie nights, a viewing of a stage

performance, and most recently a Launch Cocktail Party.

To date, Little Dreamers has granted 3 Dream Experiences. These have

included an overnight stay at the Hilton Hotel, limousine rides, overnight

stay at the Melbourne Zoo, family pass to Luna Park and box seats at

an AFL match.

Who we support

Little Dreamers has been established to provide support for siblings of

sick children, and young carers who have been put in the position of

caring for their un-well parent/sibling. The siblings of sick children, in

addition to the usual challenges faced when growing up, have a lot of

issues to deal with. An example of this is feelings of isolation, relationship

difficulties, being embarrassed by siblings’ appearance/behaviour,

and a lack of attention from parents. Young carers sometimes have to

sacrifice their education as well as a lot of other things to constantly

care for their un-well parent/sibling.

Mission Statement

Our goal at Little Dreamers is to raise awareness of the issues faced by

siblings of children with chronic illness, mental illness and/or disabilities,

and by young carers. Little Dreamers is committed to providing siblings

and young carers with experiences that they may not otherwise be

able to organise or afford. The aim is to provide a release from the

burden of unfortunate family circumstances, and boost self-esteem in

the process.

Over the long term Little Dreamers hopes to establish a facility where

siblings and young carers can go for temporary respite from the

burden of their everyday circumstances.

Dream Fund

To achieve our goals, Little Dreamers has established a Dream Fund

made up of donations from supporters and sponsors. The Dream Fund is

used to make dreams come true for siblings of children with chronic

illnesses, mental illnesses and/or disabilities and young carers. The

Dream Fund is administered in accordance with its publicly available

criteria.

Our Goals for 2011

Little Dreamers aims to continue on its successful 2010 goals as well as

expand on. By the end of 2011, Little Dreamers aims to:

• Maintain a minimum of $5,000 in the Dream Fund at all times;

• Gain Deductible Gift Recipient status;

• Make dreams come true for at least 6 siblings and/or young

carers;

• Featured in 10 different forms of media;

• Host at least one function for adults; and

• Host at least one function directed at the youth demographic.