OTTAWA, May 15, 2017 /CNW/ - They have taken us under the sea, and around the world. They have brought us on journeys back in time, and to galaxies far, far away. They have entertained and entranced us for decades with magical events - and, in doing so, they have helped make wishes come true for 100 local kids, with one brand new addition.
Saturday night, a group of Event Management graduates, current students, and faculty, coupled with suppliers, supporters, and many others came together to celebrate the program's legacy of success over the past 25 years, and recognize the achievement of a $1 million milestone. The gala event took place in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence, and was hosted by Aliya Jasmine of NBC.
"During their time in the Event Management program, our students organize charitable campaigns to support local non-profits – and for the past several years, our program has focused its support on Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, National Capital Chapter," explained Sylvia Densmore, Coordinator, Event Management program. "We are extremely proud of our learners. Utilizing creativity, determination, and hard work they have granted one hundred wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses, all the while gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to become professional event planners."
"We're very proud of the accomplishments made by this program in raising $1 million," says Leanne Brown, Regional Director – National Capital, Children's Wish Foundation of Canada. "We're fortunate to have developed such strong partnerships, such as the one with Algonquin College's Event Management program, that allow us to be able to fulfill more wishes for children in the National Capital region."
In addition to the recognition of 25 years of graduates, and this significant fundraising milestone, the event featured three other surprise announcements. A wish was granted through Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, National Capital Chapter to Colin. Colin is suffering from acute precursor B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma - a relatively rare form of lymphoma - and wished for some swag to accompany his man cave.
"There are uncertainties about what's going to happen when your child is diagnosed with cancer, and it can be a bit overwhelming. Contributions from Children's Wish really make a difference," says Laurie Gillespie, mother of wish recipient Colin. "The Algonquin College's Event Management students have been great. Every event we have been to the students always go to Colin to tell him how happy they are to have him there. They treat him like royalty!"
So what's next for the Event Management program? Expect more fabulous events - and another hard earned donation - in support of Children's Wish Foundation of Canada this fall.
About Children's Wish Foundation of Canada:
Children's Wish Foundation of Canada is the largest and only all-Canadian wish granting charity dedicated to granting wishes to Canadian children between the ages of 3 and 17 who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. For more than 30 years, Children's Wish has worked tirelessly to grant heartfelt wishes to nearly 25,000 children and their families – that's three wishes each and every day, all year long!
Children's Wish has chapter offices and professional staff in every province, and each wish family is assigned a dedicated Wish Coordinator who is able to personally and carefully structure each heartfelt wish experience to meet the particular needs of the child and their family. Travel wishes include all siblings 21 years and under living in the same household, and families travel worry-free thanks to exclusive Blue Cross insurance.
Our newly expanded reach, which includes children diagnosed with a serious neurological or genetic illness, means continued strong wish referral support through our medical community. Wish referrals continue to increase year over year, and we are proud to maintain our 'no waiting list' policy, thanks to our generous donors. Children's Wish National Capital Chapter has granted 1348 heartfelt wishes in total, and currently has another 113 approved wishes waiting to be enjoyed.
Now more than ever, we are encouraging Canadians to donate and support Children's Wish Foundation of Canada. Help us grant the next single-most heartfelt wish. Visit www.childrenswish.ca for more information and to donate.
About Algonquin College:
The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 185 programs. Based in the Ottawa Valley, Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario. Visit algonquincollege.com.
SOURCE The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada
Ruth Dunley, Manager, Communications, Public Relations and Communications, Algonquin College, [email protected], 613-727-4723 ext. 6452
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