Dear Friend,

Spring is here and we are all looking forward to bringing lots of happiness to wish children all over Ireland. I am delighted to let you know your support in 2013 helped us grant an amazing 210 wishes. 

Looking back on 2013 - it was a year for doing things for the first time. Our inaugural Wish Band Day which took place on April 12th 2013, raised almost €53,000, and our Christmas Campaign raised just over €30,000. In the latter end of the year we introduced Wish Kindle which was a brand new campaign that gave us the opportunity to share many of the wonderful wish stories of our precious families both on radio, press and TV. 

2013 was a challenging year, but we remain positive and realistic in our outlook in 2014. We have over 180 eligible children patiently waiting on their wishes this year. We rely on your support as we do not receive any government funding whatsoever.

We are proud to confirm that our Organisation complies with the Governance Code for the Community, Voluntary and Charitable Sector in Ireland. I thank you on behalf of the wish families who inspire our work, for your continued help. 

Let’s make a difference! Thank you for your support. 

Susan O'Dwyer

Chief Executive

As we enter 2014, wishgranting is delighted to share with you our Wish Story of The Month…. as told in a letter by Maeve’s mum. 

Maeve, age 11, received her greatest wish when she met The Script this month.

Hi Cathy,

I know you will have moved on to many more wonderful wishes by now but I just wanted to send a final note to extend our sincerest thanks for granting Maeve’s wish.

It truly was a magical experience from start to finish and nearly everyone I have told about the day has been moved to tears.  Before even getting to the part about meeting the Script, the story is already incredible with the new clothes, the limo, Peter Mark and the gifts they gave her, and the lunch afterwards (which we really enjoyed too by the way).

I wish you could have heard Maeve telling her friends on Friday afternoon all about her experience– she just couldn’t get the words out as there were so many incredible parts to the story.  They would have been forgiven for thinking she made it up but she had so much evidence with all the things she received!! Her pal Laura was blown away to receive her autograph from the band – of course typically they didn’t just say “to Laura from Glen, Mark and Danny”….they wrote three personalised notes and said they hoped to meet her some day.  Amazing.

How lovely were those guys? 

Fancy getting on a bike and participating in a life changing challenge? 

Make-A-Wish is looking for a team of supporters to participate in this year’s Paris2Nice charity cycle, a 700km breathtaking journey from Paris to Nice which runs from Saturday September 20^th - Thursday September 25^th 2014. 

Last year’s participants said the event was the best challenge they had ever set themselves, and they felt an overwhelming sense of achievement when they had completed it. 

Everyone can take part, and a full training programme will be given.  All you need is the belief and determination to do it!

Cyclists cover their own costs, so every cent you raise goes to Make-A-Wish Ireland. For those wanting to hear more on what the trip involves and fundraising tips, call Mary Quille on 01 205 2012 or email mary@makeawish.ie. For more information on Paris2Nice, visit www.paris2nice.ie

The Bank of Ireland partnership with Make-A-Wish ended in December, and we would like to thank the staff of Bank of Ireland, in the 32 counties of Ireland, who supported us in making 139 wishes come true.

They have given us their fantastic support throughout the partnership, holding so many different events both large and small, and we were delighted to be able to work with them.

On 17^th May 2014, at the Double Tree Hilton Burlington Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

We are delighted to announce the return of the much awaited Make-A-Wish Crystal Ball, proudly supported by Newbridge Silverware.

Join us for a celebration of wishgranting, amazing prizes and an exclusive appearance by special guest Imelda May

Enquiries: info@makeawish.ie

To purchase tickets click here - http://www.makeawish.ie/index.php/shop

We really need people to hold events for Make-A-Wish in 2014. Can you help?

Fundraising events are incredibly important to Make-A-Wish, and helped us to reach our target of granting a record-breaking 210 wishes last year. As we receive no government funding, the money generated is absolutely vital to the running of the organisation.

Last year, our supporters raised valuable funds for wishes with events ranging from headshaves to coffee mornings, quizzes to concerts.

Our experienced team of fundraisers will be on hand to advise you all the way, and we can supply you with event templates for popular fundraisers too!

Please contact me on martina@makeawish.ie or call 01 205 2012 for more information.

Have you ever thought about doing a fitness challenge but find it difficult to get motivated? If you sign up for a charity fitness event you’re more likely to give it your best shot.

There are many fitness challenge events that allow you to fundraise so why not sign up and fundraise for Make-A-Wish. Whether you are into running, cycling, swimming or walking, knowing you’re raising money for such a good cause will help give you the determination you need, and you’ll help grant magical wishes in the process.