World Wish Day

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Children Health International
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every April 29
Holiday emoji:: ✨

World Wish Day champions the profound mission of granting life-changing wishes every April 29. This day celebrates the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s global impact, bringing hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses. Discover ways to volunteer, donate, or spread awareness to help make more wishes come true.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected World Wish Day Deals

As World Wish Day approaches, the focus shifts to fundraising and awareness campaigns rather than commercial deals. Many corporate partners of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, such as Disney, Macy’s, and Southwest Airlines, often launch special donation matching programs or promote their ongoing support initiatives. Look for opportunities to round up purchases at retailers like GameStop or Subaru dealerships, with proceeds benefiting wish-granting efforts. Online, platforms like AmazonSmile (where available) or direct donations through the Make-A-Wish website are highlighted. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns and ways to contribute as April 29 approaches.

Platform Guide for World Wish Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WorldWishDay. Share inspiring stories of wishes granted or how you’re supporting the cause.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #WorldWishDay. Join the conversation by retweeting wish stories and calls to action.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WorldWishDay. Share personal connections to the cause or organize a virtual fundraiser.

World Wish Day Hero

Chris Greicius

Chris Greicius was a seven-year-old boy battling leukemia whose wish to be a police officer inspired the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 1980. His wish was granted by a group of Arizona Department of Public Safety officers, who made him an honorary officer for a day. The profound impact of fulfilling Chris's dream led his mother and others to establish the foundation, ensuring countless other children could experience the power of a wish.

History of World Wish Day

It is almost impossible to find a person without a wish. Everyone has either consciously or otherwise, wished for something before. Making wishes is not restricted to a particular age group, as we find all people wishing for something. Children also wish for something. Just as people differ in their choices, so do the wishes they make.

World Wish Day was first celebrated on April 29, 2010. It is a holiday inspired by the touching story of a young leukemia patient back in 1980. Christopher James Greicius was a seven-year-old, highly spirited boy, battling blood cancer. However, even with his illness, Greicius’ one wish was to be a police officer. Little did he know that the Arizona Police somehow got whims of his wish and decided to grant it. On April 29, 1980, the little boy’s wish was granted — making him a police officer and the only person to be bestowed an honorary D.P.S. officer of Arizona! The smiles and joy that event brought to Greicius were indescribable. The honorable event caught the attention of certain individuals, who decided to form an organization tasked with granting wishes to children, and hence, the birth of the “Make-A-Wish Foundation.”

The first celebration of World Wish Day marked the 30th anniversary of the day Greicius had his life’s wish granted and since then, many surprising and equally fulfilling wishes have been granted by the foundation. In 2010 alone, a total of 198,000 wishes were granted. One of the daring wishes granted by the foundation includes making nine-year-old Kushi Chirag a make-believe princess.

World Wish Day timeline

1980

First Wish Come True

Chris Greicius's wish to become a police officer is granted on this day — inspiring the creation of the “Make-A-Wish Foundation.”

1981

First Make-A-Wish Wish Granted

The foundation grants its first official wish to Frank ‘Bopsy’ Salazar.

1993

“Make-A-Wish Foundation” Goes International

Make-A-Wish Foundation expands its charity outside the borders of the United States.

2010

First World Wish Day

The first World Wish Day is celebrated.

How Businesses Can Celebrate World Wish Day

Local businesses can honor World Wish Day by hosting fundraising events, donating a portion of sales, or encouraging employee volunteerism. Restaurants might offer a special ‘Wish Dish’ with proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish, while retail stores could implement a round-up-at-checkout program. Small businesses can also raise awareness by sharing wish stories on social media or displaying information about how to donate or refer a child. Engaging with the community helps amplify the foundation’s mission and brings more wishes to life.

World Wish Day FAQs

When is World Wish Day?

In 2027, World Wish Day is observed on Thursday, April 29, continuing the tradition of celebrating the power of a wish. This day inspires communities worldwide to contribute to the Make-A-Wish mission.

How many wishes has Make-A-Wish granted?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation continues to expand its reach, having granted more than half a million wishes worldwide since its inception. Each wish represents a unique journey of strength and resilience for a child.

How many countries celebrate World Wish Day?

With a presence in nearly 50 countries, World Wish Day unites communities globally in the effort to bring happiness to children facing critical illnesses. The day serves as a worldwide reminder of the foundation’s expansive work.

What is the Make-A-Wish Foundation?

Dedicated to enriching the human experience with hope, strength, and joy, the Make-A-Wish Foundation is renowned for granting wishes to children with serious medical conditions. The foundation relies on donations and volunteers to fulfill its mission.

How to Observe World Wish Day

Make a wish for yourself or someone
Access the “Make-A-Wish Foundation.” Fill out a wish form for your child or someone else. Who knows? That honorable wish might just be granted.
Make someone's wish come true
If you have the means to, and you know someone who wishes for something, try to grant their wish. We promise you the feeling of fulfillment you will have will be exhilarating.
Donate to the “Make-A-Wish Foundation”
Play a part in granting the wishes of thousands of children by donating anything you can to the foundation. Your name will not be mentioned but you will end the day feeling happy.

5 Interesting Facts About About Wish Making

The Greeks started it
The Greeks are said to be one of the first to make wishes by blowing candles.
Candle blowing wishes are viral
Blowing out birthday candles is the most popular way of making wishes.
Wishes can be made true
A consensus is that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, many wishes can come true.
Does not correlate medium
Realization of wishes or otherwise has no relation with either a birthday cake, shooting stars, or others.
Everyone makes them
The most common wishes are for health, wealth, friends, success, and good life things, and everyone has once made them.

Why World Wish Day is Important

It is a day of giving
World Wish Day is primarily celebrated by granting people's wishes which is a form of giving. Givers, they say, never lack.
It sparks hope in people
Children who have been unhopeful before the day always experience a glimmer of hope when they get their wishes or see others' wishes granted. See how you can spark hope on this day.
It is memorable for children
Every child that has their wish granted or sees a friend's wish granted will forever live to remember the day. Greicius' story is fresh in our minds.