Wishesjust4you was founded last year by Bill Stillman, who was the managing director of Corby-based Swan Packaging in the 1990s.
It is dedicated to bringing creativity and joy to children with life-limiting illnesses and disabilities and offers enriching art experiences to children facing significant health challenges, offering them a creative outlet for self-expression, engagement, and memory-making.
The organisation works closely with children’s hospices, SEND schools, and NHS nursing teams across the UK to reach as many children as possible.
Last month, the business called on printers and paper merchants to donate surplus art and print materials like card, board, paper, and corrugated material to help support its mission.
Stillman told Printweek that following the initial press coverage of the launch of the initiative, there had been a “great response” from board and paper merchants, who have been organising deliveries to hospitals and SEN schools, while the likes of the BPIF, the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), and the Paper and Board Association were also helping.
He said local councils had also responded, as well as some printers – although support from this area had been limited so far.
“The hope is for more printers to come forward and offer help. Printers can adopt a local SEND school or hospital and donate unwanted board or paper. Wishesjust4you will facilitate the sharing of information and contact details and deliveries.”
Stillman added: “The project is facing challenges due to the lack of government and local funding for art education.
“We are currently in contact with some art educators, and they would be happy to do art education for the kids, but they won’t do it for nothing. They can’t – they have to earn a living, and even if they just go to the school, they need traveling expenses.
“So raising funds to help cover the cost of art materials and art education is the next step, because we’ve now been registered [as a CIC] and I’ve got the bank account set up and approved – I couldn’t do any fundraising until I had the bank account.
“This is a great initiative aiming to support the creative and educational needs of vulnerable children, and there’s still a big opportunity for more of the print industry to get involved!”
The first three deliveries were made earlier this month to Changing Lives School in Manchester, Ronald McDonald House in Southampton, and Bradford Hospitals Charity in Bradford.
Changing Lives School said: “We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and generosity in supporting our SEN school. From start to finish, you were an absolute pleasure to deal with – friendly, professional, and always willing to go the extra mile.
“Your thoughtful donation of card and paper has made such a difference to our students, ensuring they have the tools they need to learn and thrive. It’s rare to find a charity that truly cares about the community, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.”
Ronald McDonald House, meanwhile, said: “Thank you so much for the very generous donation of card for the house – it’s incredible. We plan to use this in all our craft events going forward. This is such a massive help for us and we are so grateful. Wishing you and your team all the best.”
The third testimonial, from Bradford Hospitals Charity, said: “Amazing. We have received your donation of card; we are so excited to get crafty with our children’s wards, making cards for Mother’s Day and Easter. Thank you so much for your support.”
For anybody interested in supporting the initiative by donating materials or money, Stillman can be contacted at bill@wishesjust4you.co.uk or via phone on 07342 945690. Further information is available on its website.
