CALGARY — Make-A-Wish Canada and WestJet demonstrate the life-changing effects of a wish with the launch of the video, Impact of a Wish.

“A wish is a vital gift for a critically-ill child,” said Jennifer Klotz-Ritter, Make-A-Wish Canada President and CEO. “We have seen firsthand that the granting of a wish, in concert with medical care, has the ability to give a child with a life-threatening medical condition renewed hope for a healthier tomorrow, strength to fight their illness and profound joy in knowing that anything is possible. Our own wish is that by viewing the video, the public will understand that a wish is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a need-to-have.”

In October 2015, WestJet hosted an event that showcased a gallery of video vignettes of former Make-A-Wish recipients and their families. Guests of WestJet and Make-A-Wish were invited to watch and listen to each child’s story, as told from the parents’ perspective. Each story illustrates the impact of the wish and how, because of the wish, the child and their family were able to stop thinking of the illness and start thinking about being kids, and even, the child’s future. To the surprise of the guests, the featured wish alumni were then introduced in person – healthier, older and wiser – to give a very special gift to an exceptional young recipient.

“This video is proof that granting a wish is just the beginning,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. “It was a powerful moment seeing these wish alumni have a chance to give back, and make a positive impact on someone else’s life. At WestJet, we are also driven to give back and make a positive impact in the lives of young people. Through our WestJet Cares for Kids partnership with Make-A-Wish, we are able to work together to provide hope, strength and joy for wish kids, families and communities alike.”

WestJet Cares for Kids helps Make-A-Wish Canada grant travel wishes by providing the gift of flight. Additionally, WestJet helps create the ultimate wish experience for Make-A-Wish children and their families travelling with WestJet.

In 2015, WestJet Cares for Kids donated more than 7,050 one-way flights to its charitable partners, which include Make-A-Wish Canada, Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, The David Foster Foundation, Free the Children, Hope Air, Missing Children Society of Canada, and Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada.