Looking Back: 40,000 Wishes Accomplished Together Throughout the Years
This year, World Wish Month is extra special. Together, we’ve reached an extraordinary milestone — 40,000 wishes granted in Canada since our founding in 1983! That means 40,000 children across Canada have received a life-changing wish, 40,000 families have experienced a break from the challenges and hardships of childhood critical illness, and 40,000 journeys of hope have been made possible by supporters like YOU.
Let’s celebrate by looking back at the stories of those impacted, and the milestones that got us here!
Stories that Shine
A Voice for Future Wish Kids
Our STARboard ambassadors are wish alumni between the ages of 13 and 18 who have had their wishes granted in the last two years. They represent their local Canadian region and fellow wish families to help us better serve our communities and achieve Make-A-Wish Canada’s goals.
A STARboard member’s role is to be a voice for wish children – from advising Make-A-Wish on important decisions to supporting events and being an ambassador.
How Did We Get Here?
A Look Back at the Milestones and Memories That Made 40,000 Wishes Possible
1983
First Canadian Make-A-Wish office is established in British Columbia
First Canadian wish was granted to 13-year-old Debbie to visit her grandparents in Germany.
1986
Make-A-Wish Southwestern Ontario is established
1990
Make-A-Wish Canada’s first annual Wheels 4 Wishes event was established in Orono, Ontario.
1996
Make-A-Wish Southern Alberta is established
1998
Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta is established
1999
Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario is established
2001
Make-A-Wish Atlantic Provinces and Make-A-Wish Quebec are established
2005
Make-A-Wish Toronto and Central Ontario is established
2006
Make-A-Wish Canada’s annual Golf for Wishes event is established in Markham, Ontario
2008
Make-A-Wish Canada’s annual 48-HOUR-RIDE is established in Quebec, raising over $25 million over the last 16 years.
2014
Make-A-Wish Rope for Hope fundraising event is established
2015
Make-A-Wish Canada’s Wine for Wishes event is established in Ottawa, Ontario
2016
Make-A-Wish Canada’s first annual Trees of Joy event was established in Toronto, Ontario, starting with just 8 sponsored trees.
Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta establishes its annual Calendar of Wishes event, featuring a larger-than-life advent calendar
2018
Make-A-Wish® sets Guinness World Records™ title achievement of being named the largest wish-granting non-profit organization
2023
Make-A-Wish Canada celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Make-A-Wish Canada’s Women for Wishes event is established
2024
Make-A-Wish Canada breaks its own record for most wishes granted in a single year with 2,011 wishes
Make-A-Wish Canada’s first “Wishes on the Roof” fundraising event is held in Vancouver, BC
2025
Make-A-Wish Canada marks a milestone accomplishment of granting 40,000 wishes
