Make-A-Wish Canada granted a record 40 wishes at once this week when the organization brought dozens of families to Walt Disney World for a special, week-long vacation.
In celebration of Make-A-Wish Canada’s 40th anniversary, 40 wish families from across Canada had their wishes to Walt Disney World granted simultaneously. The group vacation experience began on July 18, with the arrival of the families at the Orlando International Airport.
The week-long vacation continues through July 25, and will feature special moments including pre-flight, welcome and anniversary parties, and fun family activities. On Wednesday, the wish families took part in a bowling part at Splitsville, a bowling alley at Disney Springs.
“A wish is essential for children facing critical illness to support their physical recovery while also strengthening their mental and emotional health,” said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. “For our wish families, this wish trip creates the opportunity to build positive families memories which help with the healing process that they all so vitally need. We are so grateful to all the donors who have made this possible and particularly WestJet, Blue Cross and Sofina Foods Inc. for their exceptional support of our wish kids and families.”
As part of the experience, WestJet donated a chartered 737 aircraft with crew to fly from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport to Orlando. Blue Cross provided comprehensive travel insurance, as well as a pre-flight lounge full of fun family activities.
“We could not be more honoured to play an integral role in Make-A-Wish Canada’s 40th anniversary celebration, bringing the care of our WestJetters to each Wish child and their families as they set off on this historic and life-changing trip,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer.
For more information on the non-profit or organization, or to make a donation, visit the Make-A-Wish Canada website.