Every kid deserves a normal, carefree, loving childhood. Including children that suffer from a life-threatening illness. Make-A-Wish has been operating for 40+ years and each year is able to grant the most heartfelt wishes to children and young people from 3 to 18, who are living with a life-threatening illness.

Children whose lives are dominated by anxiety, concern, and hospitalisation. Make-A-Wish takes these children’s anxieties away and allows them to be a child again instead of a patient, by granting their most cherished wish. This provides these children, as well as the entire family, with strength and vitality for the future.

All of this is possible because of the work of thousands of volunteers at Make-A-Wish. Donations and fundraising activities (both monetary and in-kind) from corporations, clubs, schools, and (sports) groups, as well as structural support from donors and sponsors, are required.

Grant life-changing wishes

A donation that helps grant wishes

You have the power to transform people’s lives. Children like Sophie, Bas, and Levi are living with critical illnesses, which happens all around the world. Instead of playing outside, kids are often curled up in their beds at home. Or even in the hospital. They occasionally lose their hair. Or their medication is making them nauseous. You can do a lot for them with little effort.

Granting wishes together

If a child believes that their wish will be granted, they might also keep hope that their health will improve.

This stands at the heart of a wish journey. Every year, Make-A-Wish grants the most heartfelt wishes. We cannot do it on our own. The tale of Make-A-Wish is more than simply a story. It is the narrative of all children who have a life-threatening illness.

A group of loving volunteers, parents, hospitals, and commercial partners who work together to make the impossible possible. The child benefits from being a part of an extraordinary wish journey. Children and their families gain strength this way, allowing them to face the future with greater confidence.

Donate to our children’s wish granting organization

Granting wishes to critically ill children gives them the courage and optimism they need to cope with their illness. This vastly improves the quality of their life.  

Make a donation today and you can help us grant a wish. Give with a purpose: contribute to a seriously ill child’s wish. You can make a significant impact in their lives by doing so.

Girl waiting for the wish journey

How do Make-A-Wish donations transform the lives of children?

Children who are living with critical illnesses often must undergo several treatments and spend a long time in hospitals. They may find themselves fighting mentally as well as physically. Granting these children a wish is a way of bringing them happiness and joy and helping them gain new hope and strength.

Granting wishes allows these children to find an escape from the anxieties and worries critical illnesses often bring to them. By experiencing their wish come true, they can hold this memory close to them and have new strength to go through the rest of their treatment. It is a way of positively transforming their lives. You can view examples of the wishes Make-A-Wish has made a reality. If you want to share the joy of granting wishes to children living with critical illnesses, you can donate to Make-A-Wish and help us transform their lives, one wish at a time!

Why is granting wishes to critically ill children important?

Children who live with a critical illness often have to go through physical and mental challenges. It can be tough to go through one treatment after another, and it can be exhausting for both the child and their families. By granting wishes, Make-A-Wish aims to give these children an escape from their often constant anxieties and worries.

By granting wishes to these children, the child can be distracted from the concerns of their treatment and the critical illness, and have a refreshing and joyful experience that can uplift their mood and spirit. Granting wishes to these children is important as it gives them strength and a moment of joy that stays with them for a lifetime.

What impact do I make when I donate to Make-A-Wish?

Every donated amount makes a difference when you contribute to Make-A-Wish. You are contributing towards a good cause, and an amount that may seem minor to you can be life-changing for another. By donating to Make-A-Wish, you play your part in helping fulfill a critically ill child’s wish.

You can be the reason for a smile on a child’s face during a tough time. You can make a positive change for not only the child, but their entire family. Once you donate, others may be motivated to contribute as well, and you can start a chain of good deeds.

What happens with the money I donate to Make-A-Wish?

Make-A-Wish uses the donated amount to grant wishes to children living with a critical illness. Your donated money is utilized to make wishes come true for each eligible child. We work together with our volunteers and use your donated amount to arrange the necessary accommodations required to grant a child’s wish.

Depending on the child’s wish, the donated money is used, whether it may be for traveling expenses, buying gifts, or other costs towards the child’s wish. The donated money is used in the best way to fulfill the child’s wish and for them to have a memorable and joyful experience. Learn more about the rules Make-A-Wish lives by regarding donations.

Is donating to Make-A-Wish beneficial for my taxes?

By donating to Make-A-Wish, you can enjoy tax benefits for yourself. Make-A-Wish is recognized as a tax-exempt organization according to the Internal Revenue Code’s Section 501(c)(3). You can receive tax benefits through your donations.

By donating to Make-A-Wish, you may claim a tax credit after donating more than or equal to five dollars. It is important that you consult your financial advisor regarding more details about the tax deductions and credit according to your donated amount and the laws. To summarize, you can achieve tax benefits by contributing to a good cause through Make-A-Wish. You can read more below about charitable deduction per country.

Sarah Labelle
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.