Holiday fundraisers critically important to charities like Children's Wish

For the P.E.I. chapter of the Children's Wish Foundation, as for many charities,the holiday season is a critically importanttime for fundraising.

The foundation raises fundsduring the holidays through special events like its annual Christmas Tree Lane, the James Gallant Christmas lights display in North Rustico, P.E.I.,and the Annual Drive-Thru Nativity.

"What is more magical thana child receiving a wish?" saiddevelopment co-ordinatorJenniferGillis, in conversation with CBCRadio: MainstreetP.E.I.'s Angela Walker.

The foundation has seen more peopleexchanging"gifts" of charity rather thanmaterial goods, and they hope Islanders think of them for holiday philanthropy.

Double the wishes next year

The charity grants on average 12 to 18 wishes peryear to Island children who have high-risk or life-threatening illnesses between agesthree and 17.

One P.E.I. family is soon leaving on a horseback riding expedition in Arizona while another is taking a Disney cruise.

This year, the charity is aiming to grant 23 wishes. Most wishes costabout $10,000said Darryl Warren, also a developmentco-ordinatorwith the foundation.

"Every wish is as unique as the child who wishes it. It's their most heartfelt wish," saidGillis.

Three unique events

There are several ways Islanders can help childrens' wishes come true.

Overthe next few weekspeople can stroll down St. George Street in Charlottetown to see Christmas trees decorated by members of the community.

Companies, individuals and familiespurchasedtrees for $250 each and decorated them lastFriday the trees werethen judged by a child who had received a wish.

Gillis and Warren also encourageIslanders to also take a drive to North Rustico to revel in the dazzling Christmas lights display in the yard ofJames Gallant. Donations are accepted on the site.

And the annual drive-thru living nativity event in Canoe Cove includes live animals and is planned forDec. 7 throughDec. 9. Donations are accepted as people drive through.

"When you go there you never forget it and you always want to go back," said Warren.

Gillissaid she fondly remembers attending the foundation's special holiday eventsthroughout her childhood andcontinuesthe tradition by taking her own son to the events.

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