Kiama businesses and residents are being asked to get creative this July, with KidsWish launching a new Christmas in July campaign to support local children with disability.

KidsWish’s goal is to raise $37,500 to purchase 1500 new toys for children with disability and illness for their annual Christmas Party on December 4 at Symbio Wildlife Park.

This initiative supports KidsWish’s biggest event of the year, which welcomes up to 3000 guests and ensures every child receives a gift.

KidsWish stakeholder engagement and fundraising manager, Emily Wright, highlights the importance of “safe and supportive” events for families and children living with disability or illness.

"We get a lot of families telling us that it's the only time their child feels accepted and included with no judgement," she said.

“Our events are supported by KidsWish volunteers and a lot of our programs and events are supported by disability support workers. We've got people trained to support the children."

For many families, KidsWish events provide opportunities to attend venues they wouldn’t normally access.

The organisation's cinema events are often the only time some families feel comfortable taking their children to the movies, thanks to the supportive environment created by volunteers and disability support workers.

The fundraiser has already seen positive community response, with local businesses readily displaying tabletop donation cards.

According to Wright, many businesses have expressed interest in hosting their own fundraising events, whether this year or next.

"We're just really hoping that it's something that will grow year on year and hopefully heaps and heaps of people from the Illawarra get behind it,” she said.

“KidsWish rely entirely on fundraising efforts to do the work that we do."

She described this fundraiser to be one that is easily accessible to the community, where people can create their own Christmas in July events while contributing to the toy fund.

Options for these events could include morning teas, dress-up days, trivia nights or bake sales.

“We'd love for lots of various venues or community groups or schools or even individuals to think of something fun they can do over the month of July to acknowledge Christmas in July,” Wright added.

Supporters are able to see exactly how their contributions make a difference through the KidsWish toy fund tracker. If the goal is exceeded, additional funds will support KidsWish year-round events and experiences for children living with disability.

Kiama residents can get involved by making direct donations, hosting creative fundraising events, or volunteering with KidsWish programs. The campaign runs throughout July, with each donation bringing the goal of 1500 toys closer to reality.

To learn more about KidsWish Christmas in July fundraiser, make a donation, or to get support for hosting a fundraising event, head to their website kidswish.org.au.