Make-A-Wish® Canada does not solicit funds through chain letters, telemarketing or door-to-door fundraising campaigns!
Every week we receive many inquiries regarding chain letters, telemarketing or door-to-door fundraising campaigns claiming to be associated with Make-A-Wish® Canada and encouraging people to take action on behalf of seriously ill children. We are taking action to reduce these activities.
Examples of fraudulent chain letters
Amy Bruce (also known as 15-year old Kayla Wightman)
This Internet-based chain letter claims that a 7-year-old girl named Amy Bruce, who is suffering from a brain tumor and lung cancer, will receive 7 cents from Make-A-Wish each time her letter is forwarded via e-mail. This request is false.
Craig Shergold (also known as Craig Sherwood, Craig Sheppard)
In 1989, a then, 9-year-old by named Craig Shergold wanted to be recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for receiving the most greeting cards. His wish was fulfilled in 1990 by another wish-granting organization not associated with Make-A-Wish after receiving more than 16 million cards. Craig is now a healthy adult, and he has requested an end to the mail. Mail that is received is forwarded to a recycling center.
Brian Douglas
This Internet-based chain letter on Myspace.com claims that a 21-year-old named Brian Douglas, who is suffering from a brain tumor and lung cancer, will receive 7 cents from Make-A-Wish each time her letter is forwarded via e-mail. This request is false.
What to do if you receive a chain letter
People are very giving and naturally want to help. Unfortunately these chain letters, telephone calls and door to door campaigns are fraudulent and are NOT associated with Make-A-Wish® Canada.
Please help Make-A-Wish® Canada by taking the following actions:
- Please reply to the sender and inform them that Make-A-Wish does not participate in these kinds of solicitations
- Refer the sender and all recipients to this information page
- Please do not forward the chain letter
- Contact Make-A-Wish® Canada 1-888-822-9474 or email nationaloffice@makeawish.ca.
Should you receive this type of solicitation, please contact our Canada Office at 1-888-822-9474 or email
nationaloffice@makeawish.ca.
Most people who forward chain letters just want to help the children Make-A-Wish® Canada serves. Here are some ways you can help:
- Refer a Child - If you would like to refer a child with a life-threatening medical conditions for a wish experience please visit our "Refer a Child" section or contact your local Make-A-Wish Chapter
- Make a Donation - If you would like to make a donation please visit our "Donate” page.
- To find out how you can get involved in making children's wishes come true, visit our "Get involved" section
It was great just being together as a family and having fun. No one asked questions and there was no talk of doctors or sickness.
