About us

The mission of Ambulance Wish Western Australia is to fulfil the wishes of terminally ill people who are no longer mobile and unable to travel without medical intervention, equipment and support. Medically trained volunteers and adapted ambulances provide the means to make these last dreams come true.

During a person’s final weeks or days, it is possible to bring them joy and comfort through visiting a familiar place that reignites precious memories. It is also possible to fulfil something special on their bucket list that can give them a sense of achievement and excitement. Finally, it is possible to gather a family and friends to create one last memory, one last celebration of their loved one.

It’s usually the little things that mean the most to a person nearing the end of their life, but these can seem impossible.

Core Values

We believe in the value of working with others and achieving together what may not be possible alone for the best interests of our community. We aspire to bring a collaborative spirit and strategy to all that we do, learning from the insights and leadership of others, and sharing openly what others may be able learn from us.

Compassion: Awareness of a person’s suffering with an urge to alleviate their pain.

Courage: Be bold and challenge the status quo.

Dignity: Valuing every person as an individual whose value is not diminished by pain or suffering.

Humanity: Understanding and kindness towards others.

Humility: Have curiosity and the desire to learn.

Respect: Treat everyone with dignity and value the collective power of teamwork.

Wisdom: To make decisions in the best interests of the community.

History of Ambulance Wish

On 26 February 2007 Stichting Ambulance Wens was established in the Netherlands as an addition to the care for immobile terminally ill patients. Too many people die with unfilled wishes – one of the causes is the inability to realise certain wishes because the person is no longer mobile. Therefore, their foundation was started to help people who are dependent on transport by ambulance.

For the founder of Stichting Ambulance Wens Kees Veldboer, while employed and working as an ambulance driver, one particular occurrence was the trigger for starting Stichting Ambulance Wens. In Rotterdam while driving the ambulance, Kees realised the last wish of the meanwhile deceased former sailor Mr Stefanutto. This patient very much wanted to sail on a ship one last time, and so they did. The documentary – Turning Point – describes how one person, determined to spread joy and make a difference, developed an organisation that fulfils the last wishes of the terminally ill and bedridden individuals.

The concept realised by Stichting Ambulance Wens – Ambulance Wish Foundation – has been introduced across the globe, including now Western Australia. Gary and Susie Wilson, both Registered Healthcare Professionals, following the death of a friend from a brain tumour, were inspired by the international story of Ambulance Wish and could see how a similar scheme could benefit Western Australian patients. After reaching out to Kees, they, with a group of friends, established Ambulance Wish Western Australia.

The Ambulance Wish concept has been adopted across the globe, with charities in the following countries:

You can follow the work of all the ambulance wish charities at Ambulance Wish International

Management committee and volunteers

Ambulance Wish Western Australia is managed and operated solely by volunteers.

Management Committee

Community Ambassadors

All Community Ambassadors have a their own webpage to confirm their charity representation. Simply scan their individual QR code (found on their Ambulance Wish Western Australia ID card and business cards) to confirm their Community Ambassador status.

Youth Ambassadors

It is not possible to directly contact our under-18 years Youth Ambassadors – please email youth@ambulancewishwa.org.au with your message and the Ambulance Wish Western Australia Management Committee will forward your message to them.

Wish Ambulances

Partnerships

Ambulance Wish Western Australia is completely dependent on corporate partnerships, donations and community fundraising to ensure its outcomes are achieved.

Partners

Palliative Care WA's vision is quality palliative care for all and the organisation is working towards this by emphasising a collaborative approach with its members, the palliative care sector and other key stakeholders, and in particular with the WA community. Their experience in promoting the principles and practices of palliative care will assist Ambulance Wish WA to provide the highest quality care for its wish recipients and its integration into the WA palliative care sector.