PHOENIX, Ariz. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® is launching the first ever World Wish DaySM on 29 April 2010 and with 1000s of people participating from over 35 countries it is set to become the largest wish-granting event in the 30 year history of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.
Fundraisers from all over the world will be joining in the celebration to support the organization in its central mission of granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. A global digital platform has also been developed to support the day, worldwishday.org.
Make-A-Wish Foundation affiliates and chapters around the world will grant at least one wish in celebration of World Wish Day, meaning more than 100 wishes will be granted. Affiliates across the world will be helping to make this first World Wish Day one of the biggest wish-granting days in history, examples include:
- Argentina: A balloon release celebrating 3,000 wishes granted
- Brazil: An orchestral concert and the granting of 30 wishes
- India: Granting 50 wishes across India
- Malaysia: Official launch and wish granting ceremony
- Singapore: Fundraising golf tournament with Make-A-Wish Foundation International Board Chair and President and CEO
- Representatives from Belgium South, France, Netherlands and Portugal will be ringing the bell at the opening of the NYSE Euronext Stock Exchange on 29 April.
Dr. Keith Goh, Board Chair Make-A-Wish Foundation International says, "Each year, millions of children around the world bravely struggle with life-threatening medical conditions and the myriad of accompanying emotions such as anxiety, despair and an uncertain future. Having their wish granted to be a firefighter or a ballerina for a day or meet their favorite celebrity boosts their strength and outlook on life, in addition to providing joy to the families that witness their special day."
This inaugural global day of wish granting will also mark the 30th anniversary of the wish that inspired the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to a boy named Chris, who wished to be a police officer. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wish of a child with a life-threatening medical condition every 25 minutes. The Foundation is now in over 35 countries around the world and has granted over 240,000 wishes since 1980.
Dr. Goh adds, "We hope this first World Wish Day will mobilize both new and existing donors to bring the promise of tomorrow to children with life-threatening medical conditions all around the world."
World Wish Day Corporate Supporters include: Disney Store©, EuroRSCG, Mattel, World Wrestling Entertainment® (WWE®), Brooks Brothers, Marquis Spas, international artist Romero Britto, and Studio Mercenary. Mattel, WWE, Disney Store© and Romero Britto are honoring the 30th anniversary of the Make-A-Wish Foundation by donating items to be sold on an online auction with 100% of the proceeds to be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Please visit the auction site at worldwishday.org/auction to place your bid and bring the promise of tomorrow to children with life-threatening medical conditions around the world.
You can also show your support of the first World Wish Day by making a donation in the virtual fountain at worldwishday.org.
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Notes to Editors
About Make-A-Wish Foundation® International
Make-A-Wish Foundation International grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. It is the largest wish-granting organization in the world and can be found in over 35 countries on five continents. Make-A-Wish Foundation International serves children outside the United States while the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America serves children within the United States. Both organizations have granted more than 240,000 wishes around the world since 1980, giving children hope, strength and joy. For more information about Make-A-Wish Foundation International, please visit www.worldwish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.
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CONTACT:
Make-A-Wish Foundation®
Sioban Kerr
Email: skerr@worldwish.org
Tel: +1 602.230.9900