by Tanya Steele
The Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Association pooled together funds from two 2022 events to make a donation to the Make-a-Wish Foundation on Thursday 30 March at the Tokar Estate Winery.
Representatives from the association came together to officially present Make-a-Wish with the funds they raised at two of their events last year.
Dan Tokar of Tokar Estate was excited and proud to present the money to the Make-a-Wish foundation for the first time.
“We want to give back to the community as much as possible and show that when we make a pledge we honour it,” Mr Tokar said.
The winemakers have donated to many other community groups in the past but have decided to go with Make-A-Wish this year.
Mr Tokar has a family of his own and has come to appreciate a bigger perspective because of it.
“We decided we want to sort of take a little bit of a unique step across and try something different,” he said.
A Make-a-Wish spokesperson said it was terrific to see the locals come together in support of critically ill kids.
“We are very fortunate to have been part of the Australian community for over 37 years and are always grateful to those who support our important work,” the spokesperson said.
“Every donation raised helps make more wishes possible for the critically ill kids of Australia.”
Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries is a group of nearly 20 small wineries spread throughout the Yarra Valley and banded together some years ago.
Murray Lyons, a winemaker from Whispering Hills said their events have always had a theme around community donations.
The Make-A-Wish spokesperson said the donations go towards the organisation’s mission to fulfil the wishes of every eligible child.
“Right now over 900 kids are on their wish journey and travel and experience wishes are among the most popular,” they said.
