INTERNATIONAL DAY

World Wish Day

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

APR29

Thursday, April 29Every year on April 29

days to go

Roots: Created by Make-A-Wish in 2010 for its 30th anniversary.
Vibe: Hopeful, uplifting, community-focused
Also on Apr 29: Stop Food Waste Day · International Dance Day · Peace Rose Day
Hashtag: #WorldWishDay

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Ways 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.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Eat, watch, or listen to something from another country tonight.
Kids
Pick a country to learn about this week — flag, food, language, one famous person.
Couples
Plan a trip — real or imagined — to someplace you've never been.
Office
Celebrate a team member's heritage — food, holiday, tradition.
School
Tie the day into a geography, language, or world history unit.
Community
Support an international nonprofit with a local presence.
Just me
Read long-form journalism from outside the U.S. today.

Fast facts

Over 500,000Wishes granted globally

Wishes can significantly improve a child's mental health

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.

Read the full story

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.