VANCOUVER, June 5, 2015 /CNW/ - A group of high octane philanthropists who came together to grant a unique wish have raised over $60,000, more than double the amount they initially set out to bring in, allowing The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada to grant wishes for many deserving children.
Matei Ghelesel, President and owner of Sonic Enclosures, originally reached out to the BC & Yukon chapter of Children's Wish and volunteered to enter his personal Ferrari in the Diamond Rally as a fundraising effort for the Canadian wish granting organization.
Children's Wish staff immediately recognized the connection between Matei's vision and a unique upcoming wish they had on their books. 10-year-old brain tumor survivor Joey's wish is to bring his family of five to visit the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Maranello, Italy and try out the Formula One simulator.
To Matei, the challenge was clear: raise the $25,000 needed to grant this wish. He put Children's Wish in touch with other likeminded and big-hearted supercar enthusiasts. These included Diamond Rally and Luxury & Supercar Weekend President Craig Stowe, Brian Ross, owner of Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver, and Dr JJ Dubec.
Together they launched a series of fundraising efforts, encouraging people to share their support on social media under the hashtag #JoeysWish. Highlights included an invitation only soiree at Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver - with Joey himself as the guest of honor - and of course the Diamond Rally itself on May 30th.
"We are stunned at the way this community of car lovers has come together in support of Joey's Wish," says Jennifer Petersen, director of the BC & Yukon chapter of Children's Wish. "In the end, we've managed to not only send Joey on his trip, but also fulfill many more wishes for deserving children with high-risk, life-threatening illnesses. Joey's wish is one we haven't seen before, but we get so many touching wishes, things like visits to distant grandparents or a telescope for a budding astronomer, and each one is special."
Matei has joined the Chapter Advisory Board of Children's Wish, and Joey is looking forward to planning the details of his Ferrari trip. If you want to lend your support to Children's Wish, you can text JOEY to 80100 to donate $10, or visit www.childrens-wish.ca/diamondrally to donate online.
The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada
The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada is the largest all Canadian wish granting charity dedicated to granting wishes to Canadian children between the ages of 3 and 17 who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. For more than 30 years, Children's Wish has worked tirelessly to grant heartfelt wishes to more than 22,000 children and their families.
The BC & Yukon Chapter of Children's Wish is proud to have already granted 1258 total wishes to date, with another 263 wishes waiting to be enjoyed. This year, the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada expects to grant over 1,000 new wishes across the country with the help of volunteers and generous donors; that is approximately three wishes each and every day, all year long. Each wish is the child's most heartfelt wish, and carefully structured to meet the particular needs of the child and their family. Children's Wish is a national charity with chapters in every province and territory. Visit www.childrenswish.ca for more information and to donate.
Photo Courtesy of Steve Han Photography
SOURCE The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada
Image with caption: "Wish Child Joey, with Matei Ghelesel, President and owner of Sonic Enclosures (CNW Group/The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150605_C8358_PHOTO_EN_17573.jpg
Media contact: Andy Kallstrom, Communications Specialist, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, t: 778-383-1413 | e: [email protected]
Share this article