Auction for wishes brings joy to children's wish

PICKERING, ON, April 16, 2014 /CNW/ - On April 16^th, 2014, Auction for Wishes will kick off its 20th year of raising funds for The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada. To date, the annual online auction has raised more than $780,000 for Children's Wish. This year, Founder and Chair Ira Grossman hopes to bring the cumulative total to $1 million, and grant more wishes to children coping with life threatening illnesses.

The innovative fundraising initiative is one of the largest of its kind in Canada, and Grossman's 20 year commitment to Children's Wish is rare in a sector with countless competing charities. Grossman's long-time career at eBay has positioned him as a subject matter expert in e-commerce, online auctions, and special events fundraising.

"I love the mission of granting wishes to children, and the Auction for Wishes represents my social commitment and my belief in personal stewardship for a very important cause" said Grossman. "For me, personal stewardship is what we do with what we have. What I have is a passion for life, family, friends and children and if I can impart this passion to my kids and my friends' kids, then this is truly fulfilling," Grossman says.

Grossman's Auction for Wishes takes place on eBay and Charitybuzz, and offers an incredible collection of buzz-worthy experiences and brand name products and services to millions of global bidders. This year's auction includes everything from luxurious hotel stays around the world to a Boston Red Sox VIP Experience to a Victoria's Secret VIP Experience, with two tickets to the 2014 Fashion Show and exclusive after-party in New York (valued at USD$25,000).

Children's Wish has granted more than 20,000 wishes since it began 30 years ago, and is reliant on the generosity of donors such as Grossman.

"Ira's commitment to Children's Wish has been extremely impactful in helping us grant wishes. The fundraising he has achieved through his 20 year commitment has helped us grant almost 100 wishes, and that's a phenomenal feat for one person to steward. It speaks to Ira's true sense of philanthropy. We are very honoured to be a part of this tremendous partnership with Ira and Auction for Wishes," said Sandra Harris, Director, Ontario Region of Children's Wish.

The auction opens on April 16, 2014, and closes June 30, 2014. To visit the Web site and place a bid, go to www.auctionforwishes.com.

The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

Each year, thousands of Canadian children between the ages of three and 17 are diagnosed with a life threatening illness.  Since 1984, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada has worked tirelessly to grant exceptional wishes to 20,000 children and their families.

This year, the Foundation expects to grant over 1,000 new wishes and is proud to have never refused a wish to an eligible child, and with the help of volunteers and generous donors, is able to grant nearly three wishes every day.  Each wish is an individual adventure, carefully structured to meet the needs of a particular child and family. The Foundation is a national charity with chapters in every province and territory. Visit www.childrenswish.ca for more information.

Image with caption: "Ira Grossman, Auction for Wishes Founder and Chair (CNW Group/The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140416_C4106_PHOTO_EN_39373.jpg

SOURCE: The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

Note to Editors / News Directors: For additional information or to request an interview with Scott McKay, contact:

Sandra Gregory
Communications Specialist, Ontario Region
The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada
Mobile: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

Ira Grossman
Auction for Wishes - www.auctionforwishes.com/
Mobile: [phone]