Make-A-Wish Celebrates Those That Make Wishes Possible on World Wish Day

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - April 25, 2016) - Make-A-Wish^®, the global wish-granting organization that has granted more than 350,000 wishes worldwide since its inception in 1980, will celebrate its annual World Wish Day^® on April 29. This year, Make-A-Wish is asking individuals around the globe to join them in honouring and thanking the doctors, social workers, donors, child-life specialists, volunteers, sponsors, wish kids and families who believe in the powerful, life-changing nature of a wish.

The worldwide "Thank You" day will take place on April 29, in honour of the organization's 36^th anniversary. Individuals can show their support for those who make wishes come true by sharing a World Wish Day message with the hashtag #WorldWishDay. Messages of thanks will help honour those who make life-changing experiences possible for children like Ellie, 7, trichohepatoenteric syndrome from Ottawa who wished to meet her friend Brynne at the beach.

"We know that Make-A-Wish would not exist without the support of people in communities throughout the world," says Jon Stettner, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish^® International. "World Wish Day is a chance for us to say thank you to the hundreds of thousands of people who have played a part in wish granting since the beginning."

Make-A-Wish is showcasing the types of supporters behind each life-changing wish:

• Doctors like, Kusum Viswanathan, MD, who has referred more than 100 children since she became involved with the organization in 1986 and recognizes a wish as a vital part of a child's treatment.
• Volunteers like Asia Breland, who has dedicated herself in supporting Make-A-Wish since 2014, because she sees the positive and wide-ranging impact of a wish-come-true -- both for the wish kid and everyone involved.
• Celebrities like Nigel Barker and Mazdack Rassi who have experienced the joy of granting a child's heartfelt wish.

As part of the global campaign, Make-A-Wish^® Canada will recognize World Wish Day from coast to coast with local celebrations, the lighting of various landmarks in blue/white, city proclamations and of course, some very special wishes for children living with life-threatening medical conditions.

"Most people who have seen or experienced the life-changing effects of a wish-come-true don't realize that behind every wish is a team of community supporters who helped make it possible," says Jennifer Klotz-Ritter, president & CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. "It is because of the joint efforts of donors, volunteers, and corporate supporters across the country, that more and more unforgettable wishes are granted every year, and for that, we emphatically say, 'thank you!'"

Click here to learn more about World Wish Day and how you can support children in your community with a life-changing wish.

About Make-A-Wish ^® Canada
Make-A-Wish Canada is a dynamic wish-granting organization that brings hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Along with the national office, eight (8) regional chapters grant magical wishes to children in need from coast to coast. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish^® International. Make-A-Wish^® is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 350,000 children since 1980. For more information, please visit www.makeawish.ca.

Click here to read this news release in French.
Cliquez ici pour lire ce communiqué de presse en français.