MEJ Charity Spotlight: Bricks and Smiles and ACT Wildlife

This month we’re thrilled to spotlight two organisations making a real difference in our community – Bricks and Smiles and ACT Wildlife, both of which were chosen by the MEJ team for donations at our latest morning tea.

Bricks and Smiles: Bringing joy to sick children

Nominated by Personal Assistant Kath Abbey, Bricks and Smiles is a charity that understands the power of a simple act of kindness during incredibly tough times.

“I love that this charity gives a sick child the chance to choose their own LEGO set which brings a big smile to their face during a tough time,” says Kath. “It’s a simple act of joy that means the world when everything else feels out of their control.”

Bricks and Smiles delivers LEGO sets to children in hospitals across Australia, giving young patients something positive to focus on during hospital stays, treatments, and recovery. For children facing serious illness or injury, these moments of normalcy and creativity become precious gifts.

The charity relies entirely on donations and volunteers to continue bringing smiles to sick children across the country, making every contribution directly impact a child’s hospital experience.

ACT Wildlife: Protecting our native animals

ACT Wildlife has been caring for injured, sick, and orphaned native animals in the Canberra region for decades. Their dedicated team of volunteers rescue and rehabilitate thousands of native animals each year, from injured birds and possums to kangaroos and reptiles.

Operating 24/7, ACT Wildlife responds to calls from the community about animals in distress, providing emergency care and rehabilitation with the goal of returning healthy animals to their natural habitat. Their work is particularly vital during bushfire season, extreme weather events, and breeding seasons when young animals are most vulnerable.

Beyond rescue and rehabilitation, ACT Wildlife plays a crucial educational role in our community, teaching Canberrans how to coexist safely with native wildlife and what to do when they encounter injured animals. Their hotline provides immediate advice to concerned community members who discover animals in need.

We regularly spotlight charities, giving our team a chance to celebrate and recognise the people and organisations making a big difference in our community.

Keep an eye out for our next spotlight via our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.