Goulburn's Maggie Fitzsimmons donates to charities

The teenager decided that rather than receiving a bundle of presents for her 18th birthday she would rather have her party guests donate money to two causes close to her heart.

Maggie, who is in Year 12 at The Crescent School and school captain, discussed the idea with her parents, Kerry and Jo-ann. She wanted to do something to give back to the organisations that helped her late brother, Connor, when he was suffering from a particularly aggressive form of cancer and other health issues.

The Starlight Room at the Children's Hospital in Sydney, where Connor received his treatment and Make- A- Wish Foundation were Maggie's chosen organisations to benefit from her birthday money.

"Connor would have been 22 this year, but now I have caught up to him," Maggie said.

Connor was granted his wish by the Goulburn regional branch of the Make-a-Wish Foundation in December, 2015 and he passed away in February, 2016. Maggie and her parents were very grateful for the spirit-lifting diversion the wish provided and that time together helped them so much.

Money to allow the Make-a-Wish Foundation to grant wishes to seriously ill children and their families is largely raised from the annual gala dinner event in June. This year's fundraiser will be held on Saturday, June 22 at the Goulburn Workers Club.

Those wishing to attend are encouraged to bring along their money for a fun night of fundraising. There will also be musical entertainment.

Tickets cost $65 and are available at Club reception.

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