World Wish Day: A Celebration of Hope and Dreams
World Wish Day is an annual event celebrated on April 29th, honoring the legacy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This day commemorates the power of granting wishes to critically ill children, bringing joy, strength, and hope to their lives. Inspired by the first wish granted to Christopher Greicius in 1980, World Wish Day has become a global movement that transforms lives through kindness and generosity.
Quick Facts
- When is it? April 29th
- Tagged as: Charity, Hope, Children’s Health
- What’s the hashtag? #WorldWishDay
- When was it founded? 2010
- Who founded it? Make-A-Wish Foundation
History of World Wish Day
World Wish Day traces its roots to the heartfelt story of Christopher Greicius, a 7-year-old battling leukemia who dreamed of becoming a police officer. On April 29, 1980, his community came together to make his wish come true. This inspiring event led to the founding of Make-A-Wish, which has since granted over 615,000 wishes globally. The first official World Wish Day was celebrated in 2010 on the 30th anniversary of Chris’s wish.
Timeline
- 1980: Chris Greicius’s wish is granted; Make-A-Wish is inspired.
- 1983: Make-A-Wish Foundation is officially incorporated.
- 1993: Make-A-Wish International is formed to expand globally.
- 2010: The first World Wish Day is celebrated.
- 2025: Over 615,000 wishes have been granted worldwide.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 29 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 29 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 29 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 29 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 29 | Sunday |
| 2030 | April 29 | Monday |
Observed
World Wish Day is observed globally by granting wishes, donating to Make-A-Wish, and spreading awareness about its mission. Volunteers and donors come together to make dreams come true for critically ill children.
Fun Facts About World Wish Day
- The first wish granted involved a helicopter ride for Chris Greicius.
- Wishes have been granted in nearly 50 countries across six continents.
- Over $500 million in donations have helped fulfill life-changing experiences.
Quiz
- What inspired World Wish Day?
(Answer: Chris Greicius’s wish to be a police officer.) - When was the first World Wish Day celebrated?
(Answer: In 2010.) - How many wishes have been granted globally by Make-A-Wish?
(Answer: Over 615,000.)
FAQs
Q: What is World Wish Day about?
A: It celebrates the work of Make-A-Wish in granting wishes for critically ill children worldwide.
Q: How can I participate in World Wish Day?
A: You can donate, volunteer, or share stories on social media using #WorldWishDay.
Q: Why is April 29th significant?
A: It marks the anniversary of the first wish ever granted by Make-A-Wish.
Importance of World Wish Day
World Wish Day highlights the transformative power of hope and kindness. It gives children battling critical illnesses a chance to experience joy and regain confidence in life.
Related Events
- Bubble Gum Day
- World NGO Day
- International Dance Day