Days to treasure
When someone’s life is to be tragically cut short by illness, it takes a special kind of person to reach out and gift a day full of magic for them and their family. This is precisely what Melanie Quin was inspired to do and now she has a vision to make this a choice for as many people as possible - so that life’s magical moments can be celebrated to the very end.
Words Nicky Adams / Photos Jahl Marshall + supplied
The idea of a bucket list is born of the belief that there will be the opportunity at some point to complete it. However, for some, blindsided by terminal illness, time is a luxury that is tragically snatched away. Melanie Quin believes in celebrating life, and for those who have had their timeframe shortened, she has created the concept of A Day Of Magic, where dreams come true.
For founder Melanie, the idea of starting a charity happened unexpectedly. In August 2019 she was touched to the core when she heard some devastating news about a local woman she remembered from college. “Out of the blue, I caught wind of the news of Kristie. When I heard she had four weeks left to live, I couldn’t even comprehend it. I called her and I asked if there was something she wished she could have done if she had more time. She said she would love to fly in a helicopter.”
This felt achievable, so Melanie set about making it happen. Except that she didn’t just stop at a helicopter ride. Working for three days and nights straight, she organised an experience for Kristie’s husband and children that also included a limousine, launch, lunch, a room at Twin Towers, an afternoon at Eagle Ridge with family and friends and an intimate gig with Tiki Taane. Oh, and a photographer and videographer to boot. The joy that this experience brought to Kristie, her family and indeed Melanie was something that left Melanie with the unshakable feeling that this was something that everyone in similar situations deserved to experience.
Since registering as a charity in August 2020, growth has been organic. Melanie has had five applicants and rolled out five equally thoughtful, beautiful events – among them a fishing charter, yachting experience, and time at Waihi Beach. She is now entering what she considers ‘Stage Two’ where she plans to take the concept to a whole new level, with a national reach. Melanie combines thoroughness with compassion, vision and a ‘make it happen’ attitude. Her business background enables her to operate effectively entirely on her own, and with no charge for her time, she relies on the backing of sponsors to roll out her plans. She has recently taken on a premises which will serve as both a base and an income stream for A Day Of Magic. Her plan is to find backers who share her vision.
When it comes to the wishes that she has so far granted, the experiences have been heartwarming. “People’s requests are incredibly modest. When I get the enquiry, I have a call with the person and tell them to go and talk to loved ones and think about what in their life has made them sparkle. So far no one has asked for anything extreme. If they do, I’m open to it – anything is possible I believe.”
The modest requests, Melanie reiterates, are a common thread: people don’t ask for the moon, just for things that resonate with them and their loved ones. Melanie has been blown away by the generosity of the companies she has reached out to along the way – and she is heartened by the knowledge that although she is the one physically making it happen, there’s a whole raft of people out there that believe in what she’s doing and want to help her do it.
It is this that spurs Melanie on and fuels her belief that with the right help she will be able to keep that magic happening.