A Milestone 40,000 Wishes Granted in Canada

Make-A-Wish Canada today announces it has granted 40,000 wishes since 1983.

The major achievement comes at the start of World Wish Month, an annual celebration led by Make-A-Wish International and its affiliates to recognize and support wishes granted to children facing critical illnesses.

“Today we celebrate a tremendous milestone for our organization, made possible by the unwavering support of our donors, community and team members,” said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer, Make-A-Wish Canada. “Together we have granted 40,000 wishes in Canada since 1983, significantly impacting the lives of children and their families facing critical illnesses. But we’re not done yet. Our role in transforming health journeys is vital, and we are deeply committed to continuing our mission in the years ahead.”

As the proudly Canadian affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, and the largest wish-granting organization in the nation, Make-A-Wish Canada has been granting wishes for nearly 41 years, and serves children from coast to coast. The first Canadian wish was granted to Debbie, a 13-year-old bravely battling leukemia, who wished to visit her grandparents in Germany.

Lifting Up Canadian Wish Kid Stories 

To mark 40,000 wishes granted, Make-A-Wish Canada will be featuring several children’s wishes that are symbolic of the 40,000th wish throughout the celebratory month. That includes children like Christos, who has faced a gastrointestinal disorder since birth and experienced many extended hospital stays, complicated treatments and multiple surgeries. On his 13th birthday, Christos found out his wish would be coming true – co-hosting one of his favourite game shows, CBC’s Family Feud Canada, alongside host Gerry Dee!

Christos’ full inspiring wish story, including photos and more, is available here. Interviews with Wish Families in your region can be coordinated upon request.

World Wish Month 

Throughout World Wish Month, which runs April 1 – April 30 each year, Make-A-Wish Canada is inviting Canadians to support their mission by becoming a “WishMaker” and donating, fundraising, or helping to spread the word. The organization is seeking support, as every two hours, a child somewhere in Canada is diagnosed with a critical illness, and there are currently over 3,700 wishes waiting from coast to coast. Wishes provide the hope and emotional healing they need, lifting their spirits and giving them strength to improve their health outcomes. WishMakers make these life-changing moments possible.