Over three dozen Make-A-Wish Canada families returned home on Tuesday after a week-long vacation at Walt Disney World.
On July 25, the 40 families that came to Orlando as part of Make-A-Wish Canada’s 40th anniversary returned home after a vacation that began on July 18.
The group, which set a record for the number of simultaneous wishes granted by the organization, got to enjoy a variety of activities while in Orlando, including multiple days at theme parks.
During their time in Orlando, the families met with character actors at Disney and Universal Studios, rode attractions, and enjoyed various outings, including a bowling party at Splitsville, which is located 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,” said McKnight.
To make the experience possible, 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.
The families were furnished with room accommodations, park tickets, meals, and other activities to make the trip memorable.
For more information on the non-profit or organization, or to make a donation, visit the Make-A-Wish Canada website.