Young Donors in Southern Alberta
Make-A-Wish relies on the generous support of our donors to help us carry out our mission. And we have noticed that there is a new class of donors out there that is blowing our minds; it’s the Young Donors. We are astounded by the generosity of the younger generation, ages 6 to 10 years old. Their desire to forego receiving birthday gifts in lieu of collecting donations for Make-A-Wish touches our hearts like nothing else. These young donors believe that every little bit counts – and it does. Their dedication to their peers, and to their community, is something that should be applauded. We tip our hats to these children helping children, and thank them for inspiring all of us.

Hanna, 10

Hanna is the type of child who is always looking for a way to make a difference. She is the first to rush to a friend's side to help or comfort and she feels deeply when things go wrong in somebody's life. She is inspired by people who have made a difference in the world and, for her age seems to know a lot about them. Terry Fox is one of her heroes and his cause was the inspiration behind her Wish campaign. When she explained why she wanted to shave her head to raise money, she did so in such a way that we knew she understood exactly what she was doing and for all the right reasons. She said to us that she felt lucky that none of her family or friends were suffering from a life threatening illness and that made her feel very fortunate. If one of us ever does become ill, she hopes that someone will step up to help. She leads by example and we are very proud of her. In a way, Hanna feels she has been granted the Wish. The experience was a gift to her as it was to the rest of her family. She hopes her efforts will inspire other children to make a difference, just like she did.



Chloe, 6

My name is Chloe. I am six years old and live with my family in Exshaw, Alberta.

When I was five years old I went to a birthday party where my friend asked for donations to his favorite charity. I asked my mom to explain this to me and then asked if I could do the same thing. I had heard of the ‘Art and Stroke Foundation’ and thought that artists might need help.

My mom and dad made a list of different charities and explained to me what each one does. Some help people and some save the earth. My favorite was the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Every kid has a wish and I wanted to help make them all come true.

For my sixth birthday I raised $200. Then this summer my grandpa took me on a walk and I saw two little girls selling lemonade. My grandpa explained that the girls were raising money. We went home and I asked my grandma for a box, cups and juice. I sold lot of it! I asked if I could donate that money to Make-A-Wish too.

I went to my other granddad’s house and did the same thing. Raising money for kids is kind of easy. Who wouldn’t want to make a kid’s dream come true if they could?

In September I got to draw with Hanna. Hanna is my hero and has raised lots of money for Make-A-Wish. I want to raise lots of money just like her. My mom and dad said I could shave my head to raise money. I already have my first cheque from a lady who believes in kids and I haven’t even shaved my head yet!

My special wish was to go to Disneyland. I did that. Every kid should get their wish at least once in their lifetime. Now my special wish is to help kids who may not have long to get their wish. I just want to help.

Spencer, 9

Spencer turned 9 this past September. He looks forward to his birthday for months before. For his last birthday he decided to take donations for charity instead of receiving gifts. Spencer decided to do it again this year but was not sure which charity to choose. His mom and dad sat down with him and went over numerous options and of course the Make-A-Wish Foundation was mentioned. It didn't take Spencer a minute to decide that helping out kids with life-threatening medical conditions would be a worthy and noble cause. He immediately felt the good effects before he even raised the money. He knew he would be helping change the experience of a child for the better. The day of his birthday he proudly accepted donations from his friends and excitedly counted the money. He looked forward to bringing his donation to Make-A-Wish and felt very proud of his accomplishment and grateful to be able to do so. He was made to feel very appreciated which helps instill in him the importance of donating to such a worthy cause.