Launch of Make-A-Wish Saudi Arabia

The Batterjee Foundation Launches Make-A-Wish in Saudi Arabia

Under the leadership of Sobhi Batterjee and Makarem Sobhi Batterjee, The Batterjee Foundation, a leading non-profit organization committed to making a positive impact on people’s lives, launched Make-A-Wish Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at an event under the patronage and in the presence of the Governor of Riyadh Region, His Royal HighnessPrince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Make-A-Wish, one of the largest non-profit organizations in the world grants life-changing wishes to children diagnosed with critical illness. The partnership with the international non-profit organization comes in line with the group’s philanthropic commitment toward society and the Batterjee family purpose of relieving people’s suffering. This marks the first time that Make-A-Wish will operate in Saudi Arabia.

Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children around the world who are living with critical illnesses to bring them hope, strength, and joy. The organization has a presence in 50 countries and has granted over 550,000 wishes to children since its inception in 1980. The organization is one of the most prominent non-profits in the world.

The launch of Make-A-Wish Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a significant milestone for the Batterjee Foundation, which has long been committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of children in the Kingdom. The Batterjee Foundation’s partnership with Make-A-Wish will enable the organization to expand its impact and reach more children who are facing critical illnesses across the world.

The launch event took place on May 20th, under the patronage of the Governor of Riyadh Region, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and was attended by prominent businessmen, members of the media, representatives from other NGOs, and other members of society.

Makarem Sobhi Batterjee, Chairman of the board of Make-A-Wish Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said: “We are delighted to launch the Make-A-Wish’s newest affiliate here in Saudi Arabia, which strongly aligns with our family mission of ‘relieving people’s suffering’. The Batterjee Foundation is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of children in the Kingdom, and we believe that Make-A-Wish will be an excellent addition to our efforts. When I was young and studying in the US, I read an article about the mission and impact of Make-A-Wish. The article really had a big impact on me, and it became my dream to establish an affiliate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia so that children in my country could also have their wishes come true. Today, this dream has become a reality.”

“Additionally, I would like to acknowledge my father, Engineer Sobhi Batterjee, who recognised the values of philanthropy and perceived it as our primary duty to society. Every program and initiative of our organization represents this vision”,” he added.

Make-A-Wish Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will work with local hospitals to identify children with critical illnesses and grant their wishes. The organization will also provide opportunities for the local community to get involved and support the work of Make-A-Wish.

Luciano Manzo, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish International, said: “As a family, the Bait Al Batterjee family have always displayed compassion and empathy to those in need and have made it their mission to create a positive impact on the lives of people in Saudi Arabia. The launch of Make-A-Wish Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a testament to their unwavering commitment to this mission, and tMake-A-Wish International looks forward to working closely with the Batterjee Foundation to make more wishes come true for children.”