Imagine feeling the sand between your toes one last time. Watching a grandchild's wedding. Or simply enjoying an ice cream in your favourite garden. For people in the final stages of life, these simple moments can mean everything. Ambulance Wish Queensland makes them possible.
Who is Ambulance Wish Queensland?
Ambulance Wish Queensland is the signature program of Palliative Care Queensland. It gives Queenslanders living with a life-limiting condition the planning, coordination, specialist transport and clinical care they need to fulfil a last wish, and to create precious memories for the people they love.
The idea began in the Netherlands and came to Australia through Palliative Care Queensland in 2019. It was inspired by the Hervey Bay paramedics who famously took a dying woman to the beach for one last look at the ocean.
The very first wish
In July 2019, Ambulance Wish Queensland granted its first wish to 92-year-old Betty, who wanted to enjoy a passionfruit ice cream in Brisbane's City Botanic Gardens. Since then, the team has fulfilled more than 200 wishes across Queensland, from beach visits to vow renewals.
How it works
Wishes are made possible by a dedicated team of staff and more than 120 volunteers, using specially equipped ambulances so that people who need a stretcher and medical care can still get out and do what matters most to them.
Demand for wishes is high, and every one depends on community support.
How your gift helps
When you choose Ambulance Wish Queensland in your cart, 10% of your gift price goes to the program. We add up every order and pay the charity in full each month.
It is an especially meaningful choice for:
- Sympathy gifts, honouring one life with a gift that helps another family make memories.
- Thank-you gifts for nurses, carers and palliative care teams.
- Anyone who believes every moment matters.
Gift ideas
Our "Close to Home" Australian native bouquet is a beautiful way to say thank you to a care team. For sympathy, "Holding You Close" offers gentle comfort to a grieving family.
Learn more at ambulancewishqld.org.au.