Make-A-Wish® Philippines is the first and only non-profit wish-granting organization in the country. We are an affiliate of Make-A-Wish Foundation® International, the world’s largest and most respected wish-granting organization.

Mission

Our mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

The Foundation grants wishes of children in its territory, whatever economic status, gender and religion.

The Wish that Inspired

The creation of Make-A-Wish® was inspired in the U.S. in 1980 by the fulfillment of a wish of a 7-year-old boy with leukemia named Chris Greicius, who wished to be a policeman. His mother, several friends and a group of police officers, with the cooperation of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, granted his wish with a custom-made uniform, helmet, badge, and helicopter ride! After the wish, those involved were inspired and eager to bring that same hope, strength and joy they saw as a result of Chris’ wish, to more children. Their simple idea has led to the continued growth of the world’s largest wish-granting organization, now operating in nearly 50 countries.

First Wish in the Philippines

Make-A-Wish® Philippines was established in December 1999. The first wish granted in the country was during the welcoming of the new millennium. The first Filipino wish child, Christian, diagnosed with a blood disorder, hemophilia, wished to sing to the world. He went on stage at The Peninsula Manila fountain during the New Year’s Eve celebration where he sang a song which was broadcasted around the world. This won the “Wish of the Year International” award.

Where we are now

The Foundation has granted more than 1,600 wishes since its inception. The organization’s headquarters is based in Manila, with core groups in Cebu and Baguio.

If you are interested in learning more about Make-a-Wish Philippines, visit them at www.makeawish.org.ph.