Record Number of Wishes Granted for Sick Children in 2024

The organization shattered records, increasing total number of wishes granted year over year by 45 per cent

Make-A-Wish Canada^® reached a record-breaking milestone in 2024, granting 2,011 wishes to children facing critical illness. This announcement celebrates the highest number of wishes granted by the charity in its history, a 45 per cent increase year over year. The achievement follows a nearly 84 percent increase in wish referrals over the past four years, driven by the growing need as more medical teams refer sick children than ever before.

In Canada, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness every two hours. Additionally, there is increasing recognition among medical professionals of the positive impact wishes have on children’s health outcomes, further driving the demand for wish-granting services by nearly 84% over the last four years. According to a 2022 comprehensive study, 100% of medical providers said a wish experience improves a child’s quality of life and is a turning point in a child’s treatment.

“Wishes are treatment and are essential to improve the health outcomes of children with critical illnesses,” says Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Canada. “As the demand for wishes continues to grow, it’s a powerful reminder that our community’s support can truly change the course of a sick child’s journey, and that not all medicine comes in a bottle.”

Despite the surge in wish referrals, Make-A-Wish Canada made significant strides in reducing its national waitlist last year, exceeding its target. The number of Canadian children waiting for their wish decreased from 4,000 to 3,700, and the organization dramatically extended its reach by 29% to over 745 communities across the country, ensuring even more eligible children received life-changing wishes.  This milestone would not have been possible without the involvement of the community who continue to support the mission.

“The generosity of donors and volunteers has been critical in reaching more sick children than ever before,” says Stovel McKnight. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our community, which has helped us grow and evolve over the last several years to meet the increasing need.”

As Make-A-Wish Canada continues to expand its reach and grant wishes to children facing critical illnesses, the charity remains focused on ensuring that every eligible child has the chance to have the transformative experience of a wish.