Children's Wish Donors Grant 35 Wishes in a Single Day

The Children's Wish Gala Breaks Its Single Day Fundraising Record

CALGARY, June 3, 2016 /CNW/ - Last week, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, Alberta & NWT Chapter celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Children's Wish Gala and exceeded expectations, drawing over 400 attendees and filling 52 tables.

Through the philanthropic fundraising of those in attendance, Children's Wish, Alberta & NWT Chapter raised over $350,000 to grant the single-most heartfelt wish of children diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Additionally, just over $100,000 of that total was raised at the night of the gala – a new fundraising record for the Alberta & NWT Chapter. With the average cost of a wish at $10,000, the $350,000 raised at the gala will grant up to 35 new wishes.

The gala celebrated over 2,000 wishes that have been granted in Alberta & NWT in the last 30 years. The event was sponsored by Air Transat and hosted by Dave Kelly, former host of CityTV Breakfast Television.

A number of highlights stole the show, including wish parents, Sean and Trish Rooney, who told their story about their son, Dominic. Wish children Mable and Aboudi were outstanding in their co-hosting duties alongside Dave Kelly. The evening's guests were able to reconnect with Elijah, whose wish was granted at the gala in 2015, to hear all about the joy that came from his wish. Then there was the "Dream Team"– sisters Ella, Katelyn, and Georgia - who surpassed their personal fundraising goal of $10,000 through donations in their name at the gala. The "Dream Team" earned over $22,000 and has now amended their goal, seeking to grant three wishes.

A Children's Wish Gala is never complete without granting a wish. Three-year-old Gracie was introduced by Shaw's mascots, Bit and Bud, who were sponsors of the evening and had her wish granted to go on a Disney Cruise, after which the room sung her happy birthday.

Additionally, the sale of one of the silent auction items is going towards planting trees to replace those destroyed by the recent fire in Fort McMurray.

About The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada is the largest 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.

This year, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada expects to grant over 1,500 new wishes across the country with the help of volunteers and generous donors; that is approximately three wishes each and every day, all year long. The Alberta & NWT Chapter has granted more than 2,000 wishes to date and expect to grant more than 130 wishes this year! Each wish is a child's most heartfelt wish, and is carefully structured to meet the particular needs of the child and their family.

Already this year, we are experiencing unprecedented increases of wish referrals through our strong medical community relationships for our wishes granted to children with life-threatening illnesses. Now more than ever, we are encouraging Canadians to donate and support The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada to help us continue to grant the next most heartfelt wish. Children's Wish is a national charity with chapters in every province and territory. Visit www.childrenswish.ca for more information and to donate.

Twitter: @ChildrensWishAB
Instagram: @childrenswishab
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChildrensWishAB/

SOURCE The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

Image with caption: "Children's Wish Gala with Air Transat (CNW Group/The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160603_C2425_PHOTO_EN_705513.jpg

For further information: Rhys Dowbiggin, Communications Specialist, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, AB/NWT Chapter, T: 587.889.1613 | M: 403.265.3252, [email protected]