Make-A-Wish^® Canada’s Annual Trees of Joy Event Goes National in Partnership with CN  

November 7, 2024, Toronto, Ontario – Make-A-Wish Canada is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 edition of Trees of Joy, a magical holiday event for wish kids, with CN proudly serving as the National Presenting Sponsor. From November 15 to December 9, events will take place from coast to coast to spread holiday cheer and support Make-A-Wish Canada’s mission to grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

Trees of Joy is known for its tradition of customizing and revealing beautifully decorated holiday trees for wish kids and their families. Since its inception in Toronto in 2016 with just eight trees, the event has grown significantly, expanding to 12 locations nationwide this year. Trees of Joy presented by CN events aim to raise urgent funds to ensure future wishes can be granted.

“Wishes provide children facing critical illnesses with an important source of strength and hope during challenging times,” said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, CEO of Make-A-Wish Canada. “Healthcare cannot always change the outcome for a sick child but we know that a wish will always improve the journey and must be included in the treatment plan. That is why we are so passionate about our Trees of Joy presented by CN events, as they help us raise essential funds for wish granting in the year ahead. With almost 4,000 children currently waiting for a wish, your donations help us get closer to our goal of granting the wish of every eligible child.”

How Does It Work? 

Childhood critical illnesses can take so much from a family. All the hope, joy and wonder of childhood is replaced by fear, anxiety and loneliness. The goal of Trees of Joy presented by CN is to bring so much of that joy back to wish kids and their families during this special time.

Supporters are invited to sponsor a tree for $10,000. Each sponsor is then paired with a wish child to customize a special holiday tree, bringing each child’s vision to life. The trees are unveiled at an invitation-only, in-person event where donors meet their wish kids and their families, hear their stories of courage and the impact of their wish, and celebrate the joy of the season. Following the event, the trees are delivered to each wish family’s home for them to enjoy over the holidays.

Where Are the Events Taking Place? 

The 2024 Trees of Joy presented by CN events will take place in the following locations:

• Toronto, ON: Fairmont Royal York Hotel, November 15
• Quebec City, QC: Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, November 18
• Montreal, QC: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, November 23
• Winnipeg, MB: The Gates on Roblin, November 20-21
• Saskatoon, SK: Delta Hotels Bessborough, November 22
• Vancouver, BC: Fairmont Waterfront, November 26
• St. John’s, NL: The Capital Hotel, November 26
• Edmonton, AB: Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, November 27
• Calgary, AB: Fairmont Palliser, November 28
• London, ON: RBC Place London, November 28
• Halifax, NS: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, December 2
• Charlottetown, PE: The Delta Prince Edward by Marriott, December 9

“CN is honoured to support Make-A-Wish Canada in spreading holiday cheer to children facing critical illnesses and their families through Trees of Joy, said Olivier Chouc, Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer, CN. “This partnership is a wonderful opportunity to come together, bringing warmth, hope, and festive cheer to those who need it most. As railroaders we are proud to play a part in helping fulfill heartfelt wishes across the country, bringing joy and light across our network for families this holiday season.

Trees of Joy represents the power of community, uniting individuals and businesses to support families facing the challenges of critical illness. With the generosity of sponsors, donors, and volunteers, this magical initiative not only brings happiness and light to those who need it most but helps ensure that more children with critical illness will realize the physical, emotional and mental health benefits of a wish.

Organizations interested in sponsoring a tree are invited to visit the event page for their city available here.

Media interested in covering a Trees of Joy event in their city are encouraged to RSVP with the contact below. Photo, video and interview opportunities will be available on site on event day, but can also be requested separately.