Make-A-Wish International launches holiday push to grant 10,000 wishes

Make-A-Wish International is asking global donors to help fulfill wishes for more than 10,000 children with critical illnesses across 50 countries and territories this holiday season. The campaign centers on the idea that wishes can lift children’s wellbeing, ease family stress and give supporters a way to make a visible difference.

Why it matters: - Make-A-Wish International says wishes can bring hope, joy and a sense of possibility to children with critical illnesses during a season often marked by hospital stays and intensive treatments. - The charity’s research found that 92% of wish children reported improved wellbeing, 90% felt more optimistic about the future, and 93% of wish parents said family bonds were strengthened. - The holiday campaign aims to help children and families while also giving donors a direct way to support a cause with measurable emotional impact.

What happened: - Make-A-Wish International launched a holiday-season appeal asking people around the world to help “Unwrap the Power of a Wish.” - The organization says more than 10,000 children in 50 countries and territories are waiting for wishes to be fulfilled. - Wish examples range from a princess party to becoming a fireman. - The campaign is being promoted with a donation call at worldwish.org.

The details: - Nine-year-old Asia from Italy, who lives with congenital tetraparesis, fulfilled her wish last Christmas by traveling to Finland with her parents and twin sister Alessia to meet Santa Claus. - Asia also got to check whether Santa’s white beard is real, and she found that it was. - Dorothee van Vredenburch, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish International, said the group does not want any child to wait longer than necessary for a wish to be granted. - Van Vredenburch said every contribution helps the organization grant more wishes when hope, joy and possibility matter most.

Between the lines: - The campaign blends fundraising with a message about measurable wellbeing, not just emotional uplift. - Make-A-Wish International is framing wishes as support for children’s resilience and family connection, which broadens the appeal beyond holiday giving alone. - The 10,000-child figure suggests demand still outpaces the organization’s ability to fulfill wishes without outside support.

What's next: - Make-A-Wish International is pushing donations throughout the holiday season. - The organization says additional support will help reduce wait times and bring wishes to more children with critical illnesses. - Donors can learn more or contribute through the organization’s website.