The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada partners with the Diamond Rally and Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver to grant a powerful wish

VANCOUVER, April 22, 2015 /CNW/ - The BC & Yukon Chapter of The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada is proud to announce a unique partnership with the Diamond Rally and Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver to raise funds to grant a high-octane wish. This relationship will see a group of Ferraris decked out in Children's Wish livery driving from Vancouver to Whistler in the Diamond Rally.

"Children's Wish is very proud of how granting a wish can impact a whole community," says Jennifer Petersen, Children's Wish BC & Yukon Chapter Director. "This partnership with the Diamond Rally, Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver, and the Vancouver supercar community, is a powerful example of community working together to change a sick child's life."

The inspiration for Children's Wish Team Ferrari came from longtime Children's Wish supporter Matei Ghelesel, President and owner of Sonic Enclosures, who volunteered to enter his personal Ferrari 360 Spider in the Diamond Rally as a fundraising initiative. When Ghelesel got in touch with Children's Wish, he learned of a serendipitous wish still in the planning stages.

Ten-year-old Wish Child Joey wishes to visit the Ferrari Museum Maranello in Italy. Joey's love of everything Ferrari runs deep: His favourite color is Ferrari Red, favourite book is a Ferrari coffee table book, and he dreams of becoming a Ferrari Formula 1 driver when he grows up.

Ghelesel introduced Children's Wish to Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver, and Craig Stowe, President of Diamond Rally and Luxury & Supercar Weekend. Together, this group of supercar enthusiasts plans to help raise $25,000 to send Joey, his mom, dad and two brothers to Italy.

"Joey's specific wish to travel to Italy and visit the Ferrari Museum is what captured my attention," Stowe says of the initiative. "It is such a unique wish. I, too, share Joey's love of all things Italian: Ferrari, Pizza and Fashion. I am happy to add my support behind this collective effort to raise funds and awareness to finance Joey's wish trip."

On May 21, Children's Wish Team Ferrari will be unveiled at the Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver dealership. They will showcase as selection of Ferraris participating in the Diamond Rally that will be driving and fundraising to fulfill Joey's wish.

To support Children's Wish Team Ferrari, visit www.childrens-wish.ca/diamondrally, and follow along with the fundraising effort on Twitter at @cwfbc and #JoeysWish.

SOURCE The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

Media contact: Andy Kallstrom, Communications Special, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, t: 778-383-1413 | e: [email protected]