Keeping Families Safe. Strengthening Communities. Honouring a Legacy.
Founded in memory of Katrina Louise Wakeling, Katrina's Sparkle exists to create safer, stronger and more connected communities through education, support and opportunity. Inspired by Katrina's compassion, kindness and unwavering commitment to helping others, we work alongside families, schools, organisations and communities to create positive and lasting change.
A Life That Left a Sparkle
Katrina Louise Wakeling (née Hastings)
10 August 1978 – 20 December 2009
Katrina lived a life defined by passion, spirit, love, laughter and a determination to make a difference.
Known for her warmth, kindness and remarkable ability to make people feel valued, she brought a unique energy into every room she entered. Many described it simply as her sparkle.
In December 2009, Katrina passed away suddenly and unexpectedly following a stroke at just 31 years of age, leaving behind her family and a community who loved her deeply.
Rather than allowing her story to end there, her family and friends chose to create something meaningful from their loss.
Katrina's Sparkle Inc was founded as an expression of gratitude for Katrina's life and as a commitment to continue the values she lived every day — kindness, service, education, family and community.
As written at her farewell:
"31 wonderful years filled with passion, spirit, love, laughter and the determination to make a difference."
"Her profound influence continues through all the lives she ever touched."
Our Impact So Far
For more than a decade, Katrina's Sparkle has supported causes that reflect Katrina's values and vision for a brighter future.
Through grants, fundraising initiatives, community partnerships and support programs, the organisation has helped contribute to projects focused on family wellbeing, youth development, education, social justice, women's and children's safety, and medical research.
$150,000+
Distributed to charitable causes and community initiatives.
17+ Years
Of community impact inspired by Katrina's legacy.
Countless Lives
Touched through education, support and opportunity.
Every contribution helps transform compassion into action and ensures Katrina's legacy continues to create positive change for future generations.
Creating Brighter Futures
Everything we do is guided by a simple belief:
When families are supported, communities become stronger.
Through three key areas of impact, we work to create safer, healthier and more connected futures for children, young people and families.
Family Safety
We support programs that help families build confidence, preparedness and resilience through education and practical life-saving skills.
Working alongside KSafeT, we help create opportunities for parents, carers and communities to access first aid education, child safety information and family preparedness resources that support safer outcomes for children and families.
Community Connection
Strong communities are built through connection, compassion and shared purpose.
We support initiatives that bring people together, strengthen wellbeing and create opportunities for learning, awareness and community participation.
Through partnerships with organisations, schools, businesses and community groups, we help create positive and lasting social impact.
Supporting Youth & Families
We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their potential.
Through educational support, family assistance initiatives, scholarships, mentoring opportunities and community programs, we aim to create pathways that help young people and families thrive.
By investing in people today, we help build stronger communities tomorrow.
Our Mission $100,000 by 2028
Katrina's Sparkle is focused on building a sustainable future that will continue supporting families, young people and communities for generations to come.
Our goal is to grow the Katrina's Sparkle Fund to $100,000 by 2028, creating a strong foundation that enables ongoing grants, scholarships, family support initiatives and community programs aligned with our purpose.
Every donation, partnership, fundraiser and act of support helps us move closer to that goal.
Together, we can ensure Katrina's legacy continues to create meaningful change long into the future.
Turning Dreams Into Reality
As an expression of thanksgiving for Katrina's life, Katrina's Sparkle exists to create opportunities for a brighter and safer future.
We support initiatives that:
Promote safety for children and babies
Strengthen family harmony and cohesion
Support young people to achieve their goals
Create educational opportunities
Advance social justice
Raise awareness for important health and community causes
Every program, partnership and contribution helps continue the values Katrina lived every day — compassion, courage, generosity and service.
Help Keep Katrina's Sparkle Shining
There are many ways you can support our work and help create safer, stronger communities.
Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, partner with us, attend a program or simply help spread awareness, your contribution makes a difference.
Together, we can continue Katrina's legacy by investing in families, empowering young people and supporting communities to thrive.
Donate
Help fund community initiatives, scholarships and programs that support families, children and young people.
Partner
Work alongside us to create greater impact through shared purpose and community collaboration.
Join Our Community
Stay connected, share our mission and help spread awareness of the work being done to create safer, stronger and more connected communities.
Together, we can honour Katrina's legacy by creating opportunities, supporting families and inspiring future generations.
Together, We Can Create Brighter Futures
Loss may be our legacy.
Insight may be our gift.
Memory may be our guide.
But action is how we create change.
Join us as we continue Katrina's legacy and help create a brighter and safer future for generations to come.
“We are thankful you are here and for what you have done for us. We know the story of the loss of your daughter and we are sad for you but you must know that you now have many daughters here in Nepal.”
— YOUTH PARTICIPANTS, NEPAL