Donated funds will be used to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses

TORONTO - After reading the news that three individuals had been arrested for thefts of the Make-A-Wish chocolate bar donation program, Atlantic Lottery Corporation in Moncton, came forward with a donation of $30,000 to help fill the gap. They also put forth a challenge to other Atlantic businesses to match or exceed their contribution.

"I am proud to be an Atlantic Canadian at any time, but never more so than today," said an emotional Jane Henson, Executive Director of Make-A-Wish^® Atlantic Provinces, in response to the news that the Atlantic Lottery Corporation in Moncton, New Brunswick had come forward with a donation of $30,000. "The thefts of the donations had taken away our ability to grant wishes for ill children in this region."

The impact of the thefts has also been felt in Quebec, where the Make-A-Wish Quebec chapter also heavily relies on funds generated by the chocolate donation program to help grant wishes. "While we were deeply saddened by the fact that three young people would resort to what amounts to stealing happiness from very sick children, we are tremendously moved by the generosity of Canadians in a time of need, said Jody Banister, Executive Director of Make-A-Wish^® Quebec. "There were almost 20,000 donation boxes throughout the Quebec region, so the thefts could amount to a great deal of lost revenue for us. This is money that we need to grant wishes that will help put smiles on the faces of children who need them the most - children with life-threatening illnesses."

"We're deeply moved by this generosity," said Mary Jardine, CEO of Make-A-Wish Canada. "The thefts could have been devastating for our Atlantic chapter. "The quick response from ALC has awed us. The impact of this incredible response to a devastating situation will be felt all across Canada."

About Make-A-Wish Canada
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Make-A-Wish Canada, through its eight regional chapters, grants wishes to create hope and happiness for children with life-threatening illnesses. Founded after a group of individuals helped a young boy fulfill his dream of being a police officer, Make-A-Wish is now the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 162,000 children. www.makeawish.ca