Puma Energy helps sick kids celebrate Starlight Day

6 May rss print

Australians are being urged to fuel up for a cause this Friday 6 May as Puma Energy, Australia’s largest independent fuel retailer, throws its support behind Starlight Day.

The national fuel operator celebrated Starlight Day by presenting a $40,000 cheque to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, unveiling a Starlight-branded fuel truck and giving a Starlight child the experience of a lifetime.

Puma Energy Australia General Manager Ray Taylor said the branded truck and donation were just some of the ways the company was supporting the charity.

“The Starlight-branded fuel truck will be seen out on the road across Australia from next week to raise awareness of this fantastic cause,” Mr Taylor said.

“The unveiling was not only a highlight for Puma Energy but also made the day for one Starlight child who was given the chance to sit in the driver’s seat of the truck.

“When the opportunity arose to help Joshua celebrate Starlight Day by getting close and personal with one of his favourite things, trucks, we were more than happy to oblige; ensuring all safety precautions were taken to make it a fun experience for all.

“Additionally, the $40,000 already donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, will give over 1,000 sick kids and their families access to Starlight’s vital hospital programs.”  

Mr Taylor said, on Friday Puma Energy would also donate one cent per litre from every fuel purchase at a Puma Energy retail fuel station directly to the Starlight Foundation.

“With the support of our customers and staff lead initiatives, we are hoping to raise more than $80,000 for the Starlight Foundation throughout 2016 which will help inspire, empower and transform the lives of seriously ill children,” Mr Taylor said.

 “I encourage everyone who has access to our large network of service stations to fill up at a Puma Energy retail fuel station for this fantastic cause.

“We’re not asking anyone to do anything they wouldn’t normally do, so for the average Australian who wants to contribute, this is a really simple way to get involved.

“We know Australians love to give, and by refuelling at a Puma Energy station on Starlight Day, they can give to the children who need it most.

“The Starlight Foundation does an amazing job of brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families, and we’re proud to support an organisation that does such important work.”

Starlight CEO Louise Baxter said the foundation was thankful to Puma Energy for its support in helping bring more fun, joy and laughter into the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

“We need the support of the community now more than ever as demand for our hospital programs continue to increase, and this year we need to build four new Starlight Express Rooms,” Ms Baxter said.

Starlight Day is the charity’s biggest annual fundraising event and aims to raise much needed funds to support sick kids and their families through its uniquely Australian hospital programs - Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Rooms.

With a Starlight Express Room in every children’s hospital in Australia, and over 100 Captain Starlights nationally, every child admitted to hospital, regardless of their illness or injury, can access the Starlight Express Room and Captain Starlight programs with their family.

Starlight receives no government funding and is entirely reliant on the community for its support.

This campaign is part of the fuel retailer’s inaugural Charity of the Year program, which will see the company provide financial and in-kind support to charitable organisations selected by staff each year.

For more information on Starlight Day, visit www.starlight.org.au.