At Make-A-Wish we are an international organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children who are living with a life-threatening illness. This journey started many years ago, on April the 29th in 1980 to be exact. Since that day we have made it our mission to continue granting wishes to every eligible child in the world. In this blog we discuss what World Wish Day is and how we celebrate it.

Grant life-changing wishes

What is World Wish Day?

Make-A-Wish started when a boy living with leukemia wished to be a police officer. His family, along with friends, worked hard to bring this boy’s wish to life. This is the moment Make-A-Wish came to life. Since then, Make-A-Wish has fulfilled 500,000 wishes worldwide.

Make-A-Wish celebrates World Wish Day which is the anniversary of the first wish granted by the movement. It is a momentous day for Make-A-Wish and the wish kids involved.

Make-A-Wish provides kids who are living with a critical illness an opportunity to create unforgettable memories with their loved ones. Make-A-Wish sees how difficult the challenges can be that these children and their loved ones go through. Their lives are often interrupted due to hospitalization and other medical treatment procedures. This is why we want to give them the experience of a wish, which they will cherish forever.

Research has shown that the wish journey can improve the emotional wellbeing of a child living with a life-threatening illness. Make-A-Wish fulfills all kinds of wishes, from wishes to be, to wishes to have, to wishes to go. Traveling, living their dream career, nothing is too crazy. This idea is to give critically ill children new hope and strength.

When is World Wish day?

  World Wish Day is celebrated on the 29th of April. Celebrating this day helps us give hope to critically ill children. By showing support you can help us grant their wishes and enable the critically ill children to experience the memorable wish journey. This serves as a distraction from their old routine of doctors, hospitals, and medicines. During the wish journey children get to bond with their families and experience society to its fullest. With these wishes, children living with a life-threatening illness gain hope and confidence. Granting wishes helps seriously ill children realize that no matter how big or small their wish is, it is possible to achieve it. Thus, celebrating World Wish Day helps us to continue to give a memorable and joyous experience to critically ill children and their families.  

What activities does Make-A-Wish participate in?

On World Wish Day, Make-A-Wish organizes challenge events to show support and raise awareness for the critical illnesses our wish kids are living with. For World Wish Day 2022 you can participate in marathons, Walks for Wishes, abseiling, bake offs, and business challenges. Visit your local Make-A-Wish website to see which activities Make-A-Wish participates in near you.

You can participate in the challenges and support Make-A-wish to help us grant the wishes of critically ill children.
Make-A-Wish seeks to grant the wishes of critically ill children. Children have all kinds of different wishes, such as spending a day at a theme park, visiting a botanical garden with their family, or meeting their favorite celebrity. Make-A-Wish makes an effort to execute the wishes of critically ill children in the best way possible. Learn more about how to support us at our FAQ page.

Granting wishes gives hope and unforgettable memories to the children and their families. Research has shown that wish kids can become emotionally stronger. This helps them take on the challenges they face in their lives.

 

How to participate in World Wish Day

Make-A-Wish operates in over 50 countries worldwide. To make hundreds of more deserving wishes come true, become a volunteer for Make-A-Wish and find out more about how to participate in your country. Give hope and new strength to critically ill children and their loved ones. Celebrate World Wish Day and show your support.

 

Grant life-changing wishes

A young boy with a cap holding onto a rail at a zoo

When is World Wish Day celebrated?

Since its commemoration in 2010 by Make-A-Wish, World Wish Day has been celebrated on April 29th every year. The activity that started in Phoenix, United States eventually extended to forty-five other countries. On this day, people come together to inspire and support the children living with critical illnesses in an effort to share love and fulfill their wishes. A network of 40,000 volunteers from all over the world join this mission to improve the local communities by bringing as many people as possible joy and optimism. Some individuals might create a wish jar for their goals or celebrate their wishes that have come true and others might cheer up a child who is living with a critical illness. Thus, for a day they forget all of their worries.

What is the origin of World Wish Day?

The inspiration of this day has been taken from Christopher James Greicius when in 1980, the 7-year-old child expressed his desire to become a police officer whilst living with leukemia. Hearing this, his family and friends alongside the police came together to help him fulfill his wish. They helped him become a police officer for one day on April 29th, 1980. Others who received this information thought it was a fantastic idea to grant wishes to children living with critical illnesses. Chris had no idea that his request would spark a movement that would change the lives of millions of people, especially young children like him across the globe.

How can I celebrate World Wish Day?

World Wish Day can be celebrated in a variety of ways. One approach is to get in touch with Make-A-Wish directly and sign up as a volunteer. The organization of fundraising events and the donation of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish are other methods. However, if you are unable to engage in these activities, you can read about the kids who had their wishes fulfilled and spread awareness. These stories can also be shared on social media to raise awareness. As a result, there are lots of things you may do to honor the worthwhile cause on this day.

Where can I donate for World Wish Day?

You can spur hope and spread the message of positivity and strength not only as a dedicated volunteer but also as a benevolent donor. Make-A-Wish accepts any donation on the official site where a supporter can either send a one-time donation or make monthly contributions just by a click from the comfort of their home. Click on the donate button and choose what you want to donate. You can make a life-changing difference from anywhere in the world!
Sarah Labelle

Sarah Labelle is Digital Fundraising Manager at Make-A-Wish International, having joined the organization in 2022 after a previous mission in humanitarian healthcare. Sarah oversees new donor acquisitions and conversions through our digital channels. Additionally, Sarah manages the e-commerce side of the website, email marketing and strives to deliver a smooth donation process for all Make-A-Wish supporters.

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