Volunteer and Corporate Partner of the Year Awards

Rita is a true trifecta volunteer—fundraising, granting wishes, and serving on the Chapter Advisory Board.

A passionate Women for Wishes champion, Rita brings dedication and elegance to everything she does, from organizing campaign events to supporting wish families.

Rita’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her hands-on approach makes a meaningful impact across our Alberta chapter. Whether she’s setting up early, planning events, or delivering wish boxes, Rita leads with heart, positivity, and unwavering support for our mission.

“I was so thrilled to get the phone call from Cathy informing that I had been chosen as the Alberta volunteer of the year. What an unexpected surprise. There are so many wonderful volunteers involved with Make-A-Wish. The time I spend with MAW fills my heart with joy and gratitude, whether it’s spending time with a family during a wish reveal, volunteering at a fundraising event or joining in board meetings. Being involved with Make-A-Wish has brought so much to me personally.”

Over the past two years, Branko has made an incredible impact on the Make-A-Wish Canada mission through his leadership, community outreach, and fundraising efforts.

As Chair of the BC & Yukon Chapter Advisory Board (CAB), Branko has shown unwavering commitment, successfully onboarding 11 new CAB members and supporting national initiatives. He played a key role as Golf for Wishes CAB Champion—securing sponsors, recruiting golfers, and helping elevate the event’s success. He also contributes meaningfully through the Trees of Joy Committee and is hands-on in wish delivery, connecting directly with wish families.

Branko’s passion, reliability, and leadership continue to inspire those around him. His tireless efforts at both the chapter and national level make him a truly deserving recipient of the Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award.

“Winning the Make-A-Wish Provincial Volunteer of the Year award is a heartfelt honour. It represents the power of hope, the joy of giving, and the privilege of making a difference in children’s lives.”

For 35 years, Silver and Gary Peltier have been dedicated champions of Make-A-Wish through their incredible third-party fundraiser, Ride for a Child’s Wish, in Woodlands, Manitoba. What began in 1988 with 11 riders and $750 raised has grown into a full-day annual event that includes a a 10 mile trail ride with horses, and a 250-km motorcycle ride, family-friendly festivities, and has raised nearly $1.8 million to help grant wishes.

Held on the Peltier farm, the event brings the community together with children’s activities, a huge BBQ pork and chicken supper with all the fixings, auctions, live music and even overnight camping! Their generosity and commitment have made it one of the longest-running third-party events in Canada.

Wish families have not only benefited from their efforts but also found meaning in participating. One local family shared how they attended the event for years before becoming a wish family themselves—highlighting the full-circle impact of the Peltiers’ work.

In 2017, Silver and Gary were awarded Canada 150 Medallions for their outstanding community service. As they celebrate 35 years of giving, we are proud to honour them as our Provincial Volunteers of the Year.

“We appreciate this award, but it doesn’t belong to just us! It belongs to the 800 to 1000 people who attend our fundraiser every year, our Wish Committee and the many, many volunteers over the years who have helped to make our Ride for a Child’s Wish a success for 35 years!  Gary and I would never be able to put on this fundraiser without all the volunteer’s help. We thank you very much from all of us!” – Silver Peltier

For over 12 years, Nancy has been a dedicated and compassionate supporter of Make-A-Wish Canada. From granting wishes in Moncton to attending every event and actively fundraising, Nancy is always looking for ways to give back and lift up wish families in her community.

One moment that stood out is when Nancy helped grant a wish for a young girl in Moncton, involving the Navy. The girl, very shy with everyone else, bonded deeply with Nancy—following her everywhere and forming a special connection that left a lasting impression. The special moment was captured by local media, and Nancy still treasures the memory and the media clips to this day.

In addition to her wish-granting efforts, Nancy organized her own fundraising event for seven years, raising over $100,000 in total for Make-A-Wish Canada (formerly Children’s Wish). This achievement is a testament to her ongoing dedication and passion for the cause.

Nancy’s empathy, reliability, and genuine care have made a lasting impact on countless families. Her commitment to our mission continues to inspire everyone around her, and we’re so proud to recognize her incredible contribution.

“Volunteer do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

Norine has been a dedicated volunteer with Make-A-Wish Canada for over 20 years. She often refers to her day job as her “second job,” considering herself a professional volunteer first. Her commitment to our Newfoundland & Labrador chapter is unwavering—she’s always the first to ask when the next event is and is eager to support in any way she can.

Norine goes above and beyond, not only with her time but also through her community connections. She plays a key role in maintaining a strong partnership between Make-A-Wish and her employer, Wedgwood Insurance, which has now donated over $250,000 to support wishes.

While she supports many causes, Norine always makes us feel like we’re her top priority. Her passion, consistency, and kindness make her truly one of a kind, and we’re proud to recognize her incredible impact.

“It’s hard to put into words what this recognition means to me—I get emotional just thinking about it. I’ve never volunteered for recognition; I do it because it gives me purpose, and I truly believe in the cause. Seeing wishes come true and knowing what these kids have endured is incredibly powerful. The connections we make can be life-changing—for them and for us. The smiles, the joy, the strength—they remind me to live each day with gratitude. These wishes happen because of teams, not individuals. To be chosen for this honour in my province is truly humbling. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Dale has been a dedicated volunteer for over 20 years, supporting nearly every major Make-A-Wish event in Nova Scotia in 2024 alone. From helping with Golf for Wishes, Trees of Joy, Run for Wishes, and Krispy Kreme pick-ups, to hosting her own third-party fundraiser—Step-It-Up for Wishes—Dale never hesitates to lend a hand, even while living over an hour from Halifax.

She raised an incredible $5,130 through her 2024 Step-It-Up campaign and plans to do it again in 2025. Beyond fundraising, Dale also supports wish granting, and her enthusiasm is felt by staff, wish families, and fellow volunteers alike.

Our entire Nova Scotia team agrees—Dale’s positivity, kindness, and commitment make her truly deserving of this recognition. As she puts it: “Volunteering for Make-A-Wish fills my heart and soul with so much joy, gratitude, and love”. We’re thrilled to acknowledge her contributions by making her our Nova Scotia Provincial Volunteer of the Year.

“Receiving the award of Provincial Volunteer of the Year means that I am being recognized for my work to help children with critical illnesses. But my real reward is seeing the smile and joy on the kids faces when I get to do a wish reveal, and that’s what Make-A-Wish is all about.”

For over 35 years, Dave has played a pivotal role in advancing key fundraising initiatives for Make-A-Wish Canada, contributing to the raising of more than $13 million. As Chair of the Wheels 4 Wishes event, he has helped generate over $3 million, and he successfully led the More Wishes More Wonders campaign, which raised an additional $10 million toward our mission.

Dave’s commitment to Make-A-Wish is a true family affair—his children now volunteer with the organization, and his parents have been long-time, key contributors to the mission, creating a multi-generational legacy of giving and service.

In addition to serving as Chair of the Ontario Advisory Board, Dave has served on the National Board of Directors, where he helped architect the original Forever Fund investment strategy. He also sits on multiple national advisory councils and remains actively engaged in events, campaigns, and wish experiences across the country.

His unwavering dedication, leadership, and generosity—together with that of his family—have had a profound and lasting impact on our mission and the lives of countless wish families.

“For me, the Make-A-Wish Foundation represents optimism for families facing incredibly difficult challenges. Volunteering and fundraising for these children is the easy part—our mission speaks for itself. Alongside the amazing teams at the provincial and national levels, I’m committed to helping create a better Canada for families in need of a beacon of hope. I’m truly honoured to be part of the wish-making journey.”

Jeanette has made a powerful impact as a Make-A-Wish Canada volunteer, as Chair of the PEI Chapter Advisory Board and as a valued member of the National Board.

In 2024, she joined the Women for Wishes campaign with a goal of raising $10,000—then more than doubled it. Through her vision and leadership, she hosted a stunning golf event at Glasgow Hills, raising over $20,000 in support of wish kids across the country.

Her compassion, creativity, and unwavering commitment make Jeanette a truly deserving Provincial Volunteer of the Year.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with Make-A-Wish Canada. It’s such a meaningful experience, and I feel so fortunate to be part of something that is making a difference in the lives of these amazing kids and their families. As I’ve often said, this is truly one of the most rewarding things I do, and it fills my heart knowing that I can contribute to such a wonderful cause.”

Victoria has been a dedicated volunteer for just over a year, yet her impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has helped grant over 14 wishes—nine of them this year alone—always bringing a warm, personal touch to each experience. Whether she’s delivering boost boxes, supporting wish discoveries, or volunteering at events like Trees of Joy and 48HR, Victoria is there with positivity and professionalism.

On the fundraising side, she’s a proud Woman for Wishes, and played a key role in securing Make-A-Wish as the charity of choice for HEC’s Humanitarian Week, helping raise over $145,000. She also introduced us to new volunteers from her school and is a strong ambassador in the community.

Victoria truly embodies what it means to go above and beyond. Her kindness, dedication, and all-in attitude make her an incredible asset to Make-A-Wish Canada. We’re proud to present her as our Quebec Provincial Volunteer of the Year.

Although she has been involved with our organization since 2016, Heather has been a dedicated volunteer with Make-A-Wish Canada for over three years, and in that time, she has become a pillar of support both provincially and nationally. As a valued member of the Medical Advisory Committee, Saskatchewan Chapter Advisory Board, and National Board, she plays a vital role in shaping the future of our mission.

Heather’s involvement goes far beyond strategy. She is hands-on with wish granting—referring wish kids, completing forms, and participating in wish reveals and send-offs. Her presence brings joy and reassurance to families during some of their most meaningful moments. She also serves as a spokesperson at events, inspiring others by sharing the life-changing impact of a wish.

A strong advocate for fundraising, Heather has championed the Women for Wishes campaign in Saskatchewan, raising essential funds and engaging new participants to help grow our reach. Most notably, she volunteered as the physician on our 40th anniversary group wish trip to Disney World, providing compassionate care and peace of mind to wish families.

Heather brings passion, expertise, and heart to everything she does. Her commitment is unwavering, and her impact is profound. She is a true ambassador of hope and a shining example of what it means to be a Make-A-Wish volunteer.

“I am honored and grateful to be nominated and selected for this award.  Make-A-Wish is an organization that brings me joy!  Everyday, I am fortunate to see the impact of this organization on children with critical illnesses in Saskatchewan and nationwide.”