The BC & Yukon Chapter’s first annual Children’s Wish Month, held in March 2012, was a tremendous success, raising over $26,000, which led to the granting of nine wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses: Bruin (Fiji): Cameron (Hawaii), Jessica (Disney), Donovan (cruise), Simran (Disney), Elizabeth (Hawaii), Javier (Paris), Parveen (Mexico) and Luca (Hawaii).

The month began in fine fashion with Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General for the Province of BC and Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor, signing a proclamation (see slideshow below) declaring March 2012 “Children’s Wish Month.” Bear Studios then created the wonderful Wish Month video (see above) that became the key feature of Wish Month. The month was highlighted by two tremendous new signature events, the first annual Princess Tea Party, which featured high tea and enchanting entertainment at the Coast Hotel at Cascades and the first annual Ice Carnival, with skating and other winter fun, at the Pitt Meadows Arena.

Community-based events were held throughout BC, including Brian’s Walk for Wishes, Fun for Kidz and Bring Colours to Life. Wish Month even inspired children to get in the spirit of helping their peers, with $120 being raised by four grade 5 students at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School in Vancouver. During March, media attention in BC & Yukon for Children’s Wish peaked at an all-time high, thanks in part to The Foundation being selected as Corus Radio’s “Corus Cares” Charity of the Month. There were also significant increases in likes and followers on Facebook and Twitter respectively. “Our first annual Wish Month was a huge success! A big thanks to the 75 volunteers and all donors who supported Children’s Wish throughout this important time,” says Amber Dyce, Chapter Director of The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada - British Columbia and Yukon. For more information on Wish Month, visit: www.wishmonth.ca