Make-A-Wish(R) Canada Appoints Three New National Board Members

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 28, 2013) - Make-A-Wish Canada is pleased to announce the recent appointments of Zahra Al-Harazi, Dr. Eric Bouffet and Barb Hambly to our national board of directors. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise, across various industries that will help us advance our vital mission to bring hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions, through the granting of magical wishes.

"We are pleased to welcome these new leaders to our team," said Jennifer Klotz-Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. "Their combined experiences and skills garnered from the medical, marketing and business fields will undoubtedly elevate the work that we are doing across the country to help brave children who are battling critical illnesses."

About Zahra Al-Harazi

Zahra has a proven track record of success and excellence in the communications field. As Founder and Creative Director of Foundry Communications, Zahra has propelled her career, becoming one of Calgary's Top 40 under 40, Chatelaine's Canadian Women's Entrepreneur of the Year and one of Canada's Top 10 up and coming entrepreneurial companies in Profit W100 magazine. Servicing western Canada's design, advertising, and public relations scenes, Zahra has lead Foundry Communications to achieve countless international awards. Zahra is an advocate and sought after speaker, globally, in the areas of immigration, diversity and inclusion.

Through it all, she has raised a brilliant, accomplished and happy family: Amani, Hanadi and Ahmed, travelled the world and can argue design in five languages.

About Dr. Eric Bouffet

Dr. Eric Bouffet is a Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto, and is Head of the Neuro-oncology section in the division of Haematology/Oncology at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. An internationally renowned medical professional and researcher, in 2000, Dr. Bouffet was recruited to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto to develop and lead the multidisciplinary paediatric Neuro-oncology program.

Dr. Bouffet has been previously connected to the Foundation, serving as Medical Advisor to the Make-A-Wish^® Toronto & Central Ontario chapter. He now steps into a national role, serving as Medical Advisor to the entire organization - eight chapters and the national office.

About Barb Hambly

Barb is an experienced leader who understands the connection between people and business strategies. A veteran of the health sector, both private and public, Barb has held a variety of executive positions within corporate services, including finance, business development and planning, and human resources. Barb brings integrated management concepts and whole systems thinking to every endeavor. Currently, Barb holds the position of Vice President, Public Affairs, at LifeLabs Medical Laboratory Services. She resides in Vancouver, B.C.

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. This year, Make-A-Wish Canada is celebrating its 30^th anniversary and the granting of more than 5,000 wishes. 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 310,000 children since 1980, with the help of over 30,000 volunteers, world-wide. For more information please visit www.makeawish.ca.