Make-A-Wish is looking for volunteers to support its national fundraising day at locations in Tralee this Wish Day, Friday 13th March. Volunteers will be collecting donations for the charity that grants the wishes of children living with life-threatening illnesses. The children’s charity is urgently seeking support to help grant ‘rush wishes’ for children with a life expectancy of less than nine months. Last year, Make-A-Wish granted the wishes of 5 children in Kerry, as well as 176 wishes of other seriously ill children across Ireland. Funds raised this Wish Day will help the charity to grant more magical wishes for children in Kerry who are living with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, leukaemia and cognitive heart conditions. Make-A-Wish understands that a granted wish can have a lasting impact on the life of a child, bringing them and their families hope, happiness and a welcome change from the drudgery of medical treatment. Research supports this showing that children who have wishes granted are more likely to build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. This improves their quality of life and produces better health outcomes.*
Make-A-Wish does not receive any government funding and is solely dependent on the generosity of the public to continue granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Ireland. According to Make-A-Wish Ireland, children’s wishes can range from being a superhero for the day or meeting their idol, to going on a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday. Wherever possible, the child’s family is invited to share in the wish experience, creating lasting memories for the family, the wider local community and all of those involved in granting the wish. Make-A-Wish Ireland Chief Executive, Susan O’Dwyer said, “To date, we have granted more than 2,600 wishes for Irish children. This would not be possible without the support of the Irish public, but we need your help to continue granting wishes. If you could spare a couple of hours on Friday, you will be making a life-changing difference to a seriously ill child and their family, in your community.” For information about how to volunteer please contact Stephen or Claire at Make-A-Wish by telephoning: 01 205 2007 or emailing volunteer@makeawish.ie