Due to public safety concerns connected to Covid-19 "Wish Day" and on street collections have been cancelled.
Make-A-Wish Ireland are a charity very close to our hearts. We all know someone that has been affected by a tragedy concerning a young person's health. Make-A-Wish Ireland make dreams come true for those children. The non-profit organisation completely rely on donations to fund their important service which helps create magical memories at a very difficult time for Irish families.
One of the biggest fundraisers for Make-A-Wish Ireland is their annual "Wish Day". It brings together months of planning, time from volunteers and a set of activities and collections that enable Make-A-Wish Ireland to grant two hundred wishes every year in Ireland.
Susan O' Dwyer is Chief Executive of Make-A-Wish Ireland and has said that the decision to cancel the traditional Wish Day was not made lightly as it plays a pivotal role in the success of the charity and their goal to help families with seriously ill children.
"Wish Day is our first large fundraising campaign of the year and the decision taken to cancel on street collections has not been taken lightly. However, we have a duty of care not only to our wish families, who are so vulnerable, but also to our volunteers and the general public"
Covid-19 has lead to a public safety concern for fundraising activities such as on-street charity collections and this has altered the mechanics of the very important Wish Day. In a bid to ensure that these vital funds are raised Make-A-Wish Ireland have made the proactive decision to have a "Virtual Wish Day". The hope is that the generosity of Irish people will shine through and donations will be made by text, phone or online donations.
Gerry Prizeman is chair of Make-A-Wish Ireland and has said that despite considering the months of planning for Wish Day
"the health and safety of our volunteers is of the highest importance to us, especially as some of these volunteers are our wish families. Thank you for your ongoing support"
"Virtual Wish Day" takes place this Friday 13th March and Make-A-Wish Ireland are asking the public to donate through the Make-A-Wish website, or by texting to donate Text MYWISH to 50300 to donate €4 to Make-A-Wish Ireland - Text costs €4. Make-A-Wish will receive a minimum of €3.60. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 6805278.