International Day April 29

World Wish Day

World Wish Day is a global nod to something worth celebrating no matter which map you grew up with.

Why it matters

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

EMBRACE THE POWER OF WISHES

Join us in celebrating the impact of wishes—your support can change lives.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
━━━━ FAST FACTS ━━━━
WHEN
April 29
ORIGIN
Founded by Make-A-Wish Foundation in 1980
STAT
Over 500,000 wishes granted globally
STAT
Wishes can significantly improve a child's mental health
VIBE
Hopeful, uplifting, community-focused
★ ★ ★

THE STORY

★ ★ ★

World Wish Day is a heartfelt observance that began with the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s first wish granted in 1980. Since then, it has evolved into a global celebration of hope and dreams. Every year on April 29, communities come together to recognize the joy that granting wishes brings to children battling critical illnesses. The day serves as a reminder of the impact that a simple wish can have, not only on the child but also on their families and communities.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which pioneered this initiative, has granted over 500,000 wishes to children worldwide. Each wish is tailored to the child’s unique dreams—ranging from meeting their favorite celebrity to experiencing a magical trip. These wishes are not just indulgent experiences; they provide children with a sense of normalcy, joy, and hope during challenging times. The emotional and psychological benefits of a wish are profound, often leading to improved health outcomes.

Celebrating World Wish Day involves more than just awareness; it calls for action. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to support wish-granting initiatives through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Schools and community groups often host events to raise funds and engage people in discussions about the importance of hope and imagination in healing. By participating, communities can help create a ripple effect that amplifies the joy of granting wishes.

As we observe World Wish Day, let us remember the power of dreams and the role each of us can play in making them come true. Whether it’s through a small act of kindness or a larger fundraising effort, every contribution matters. Together, we can ensure that more children experience the magic of a wish granted, filling their lives with light and hope.

A wish is the beginning of hope.

— MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
★ ★ ★

WORTH KNOWING

★ ★ ★
#1
🌟

Make a Wish

Encourage children to dream big.

#2
💖

Support Local Wishes

Donate to local wish-granting organizations.

#3
🎉

Host an Event

Organize a community fundraiser.

#4
🤝

Volunteer Your Time

Help make wishes come true.

★ ★ ★

AROUND THE WORLD

★ ★ ★
🇺🇸 North America

North America

A strong presence of Make-A-Wish chapters.

🇨🇦 Canada

Canada

Celebrates wishes through local initiatives.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Wishes granted across the nation.

🇦🇺 Australia

Australia

Hosts various wish-granting events.

🇫🇷 France

France

Supports children’s wishes through fundraising.

🇩🇪 Germany

Germany

Engages communities in wish-granting efforts.

★ ★ ★

DID YOU KNOW?!

★ ★ ★
TRIVIA

First Wish
The first wish was granted to a boy named Chris in 1980.

TRIVIA

Global Reach
The foundation operates in over 50 countries worldwide.

TRIVIA

Wish Variety
Wishes can range from trips to meeting celebrities.

TRIVIA

Health Benefits
Wishes can improve the mental health of children.

TRIVIA

Community Impact
Wishes often involve the community in fundraising.

TRIVIA

Volunteer Power
Thousands of volunteers help grant wishes each year.

TRIVIA

Annual Celebration
World Wish Day has been celebrated since 2003.

★ ★ ★

READ MORE

★ ★ ★
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE

The Wish Tree

By Kyo Maclear

A heartwarming story about hope and wishes.

INSPIRATIONAL

The Magic of Wishes

By various authors

A compilation of tales about dreams coming true.

SELF-HELP

The Power of a Wish

By John Doe

Explores the psychological benefits of wishing.

NON-FICTION

Wishes Fulfilled

By Make-A-Wish Foundation

A look at the impact of wishes on children’s lives.

★ ★ ★

PAIR IT WITH

★ ★ ★
🌈
DREAMS AND REALITY

Wishes bridge the gap.

💫
HOPE AND HEALING

Wishes uplift spirits.

🤗
COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT

Together, we can grant wishes.

🎈
JOY AND CELEBRATION

Wishes create unforgettable moments.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Spread the Word

Help us celebrate World Wish Day by sharing stories of hope and dreams with your community.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

How to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate World Wish Day.

  • Read or watch something made outside the U.S. today.
  • Cook a dish from a country you've been curious about.
  • Donate to an international organization doing good work.
  • Learn one word in a language you don't speak.
  • Send a message to a friend who lives elsewhere.

Celebration ideas by audience

For families

Eat, watch, or listen to something from another country tonight.

For kids

Pick a country to learn about this week — flag, food, language, one famous person.

For couples

Plan a trip — real or imagined — to someplace you've never been.

At the office

Celebrate a team member's heritage — food, holiday, tradition.

At school

Tie the day into a geography, language, or world history unit.

In your community

Support an international nonprofit with a local presence.

On your own

Read long-form journalism from outside the U.S. today.