If you ever wonder how you can change a child’s life from the seat in your living room, I have a few ideas for you.
I first became aware of the Make-a-Wish Foundation about 15 years ago when I was working at at MTV/Nickelodeon. A colleague of mine was very active with the cause and I knew that her work with the organization was making a real difference in children’s lives. Their work enriches the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work.
Make-A-Wish was founded in 1980 after a little boy named Chris Greicius realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 250,000 children around the world.
Nearly 75% of wishes require air travel, making it a critical – and costly – resource. In fact, approximately 50,000 airline tickets, the equivalent of 2.5 billion airlines miles or $37.5 million, would be needed each year to cover the cost associated with sending wish kids and their families to and from these incredible experiences.
Although it has become one of the world’s most well-known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has maintained the grassroots fulfillment of its mission. A network of nearly 25,000 volunteers enable the Make-A-Wish Foundation to serve children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities.
When I took my children to Disney World a few years ago, we saw several Make-A-Wish volunteers taking children around the theme park, fulfilling their dream of visiting the theme park. They even have hotels dedicated to these children. It’s an incredible foundation.
And now they’ve taken it one step further!
Make-A-Wish International has launched the global World Wish Day campaign to celebrate the organization’s anniversary and raise funds to make even more wishes come true in the nearly 50 countries around the world in which we operate.
World Wish Day, 29 April, is a global celebration of wish-granting.
It celebrates the day Chris Greicius received his wish to be a police officer for the day, inspiring the creation of Make-A-Wish® and the organization’s global wish-granting movement.
Since Chris’ wish in 1980, more than 300,000 children around the world have had their fondest wishes fulfilled by Make-A-Wish.
Every 23 minutes, Make-A-Wish grants the wish of a child with a life-threatening medical condition somewhere in the world.
Make-A-Wish International is calling on its affiliates, volunteers and supporters to Join the World in making more wishes come true by getting involved.
Supporters can share the power of a wish® by donating – through the purchase of a virtual star or a cash donation.
The purchase of a virtual star joins supporters from around the world as part of the global wish-granting team.
Spread the word.
You can help more wishes come true by sharing your wish at worldwish.org/shareyourwish.
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