How can my child receive a wish?

To find out if your child is eligible for a wish, check out our eligibility criteria. Complete our referral form, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

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What is the value of a wish?

Upon acceptance into our program, we create a wish account for your child of a value of up to $10,000. The funds can be spent all at once or on several smaller items over several years. The wish expenditures must be completed by the time the child turns 19 years of age.

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How long does it take to grant a wish?

Our Executive Director will work with you and your family to determine what the wish will involve and, therefore, the length of time needed to complete the wish. Usually, the simple and straightforward paperwork is completed within a week of the child being accepted into our program. In many cases, the family chooses to wait until the child is old enough to decide for themself just what the wish might entail.

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What are the most requested types of wishes?

Wishes can be a special trip, meeting a celebrity, bedroom makeover, electronic devices or anything of special interest determined by the child and family. We also help cover the costs of specialized equipment that can make the child and the family’s life a bit easier.

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How do you decide which child becomes a ‘Wish Child’?

Refer to our eligibility criteria, and if it seems the child qualifies, complete the Refer a Child form. Our Executive Director will set up a meeting with the child’s family. During the initial interview, usually in the family home, the Executive Director decides whether or not to recommend to our Board of Directors that the child receive a wish. The Board reviews all recommendations and makes the final determination.

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Does a child's illness have to be terminal to be qualified for a wish?

No. In the majority of cases, our wish children have chronic conditions.

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Can my child receive a wish from the Guelph Wish Fund for Children if I have received a wish from another organization?

Regrettably, we are unable to grant a second wish to a child who has already received one from another organization. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this policy, as it allows us to extend our support to as many deserving children as possible.

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Can my child receive a wish if I live outside of Guelph and Wellington County?

Unfortunately, we are only able to support children in Guelph and Wellington County.

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Where does the Guelph Wish Fund for Children funding come from?

All of our funding comes from private and corporate donations, sponsorships and special event fundraising. We are fortunate to receive much support from many local groups that host third-party fundraisers for us as well. We receive no government support.

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How can I donate to the Guelph Wish Fund for Children?

It’s easy to donate safely and directly to us with a credit card by clicking on the Donate button on our website. Any individual donation of $20 or more will receive an automatic charitable tax receipt. If you want to attend or sponsor our special events, go to the Register/Sponsor an event and follow the prompts. You can also send a cheque to our mailing address: Guelph Wish Fund for Children, 35 Harvard Road, P.O. Box 21032, Guelph, ON N1G 3A2.

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How can I volunteer for the Guelph Wish Fund for Children?

Please contact us by email at info@guelphwishfund.com and we will be happy to set up a meeting with you to discuss volunteer opportunities within our organization.

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Is the Guelph Wish Fund for Children connected to Make-a-Wish Canada or the Children's Wish Foundation?

No. We are not affiliated with any other Wish organization.

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Is the Guelph Wish Fund for Children connected to the Children’s Foundation of Guelph Wellington?

No, but we do work with and support this organization, and on occasion, may support work with others that help to support our wish kids.