Blue Cross® Kicks Off World Wish Day with a $100,000 Donation to Make-A-Wish® Canada and Launches National $10,000 Wish Trip Giveaway Fundraising Campaign

Expanded support provides more life-changing travel wishes for children and families

TORONTO — In honour of World Wish Day, Blue Cross will help grant even more wishes to critically ill children and their families through a $100,000 gift to Make-A-Wish Canada’s matching campaign. Over their 35+ year partnership, Blue Cross has helped make more than 30,000 travel wishes a reality through Make-A-Wish Canada, providing free, comprehensive, travel insurance and assistance for over 130,000 family members. This latest donation will allow even more children to experience the magic of travel.

These travel experiences do more than create lasting memories for children and their families. They provide an escape from reality and can significantly influence a child’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being throughout their treatments. According to a 2022 study by Make-A-Wish Canada, 95 per cent of wish parents surveyed said their wish improved their family’s well-being. Each wish can improve health outcomes and can signal a return to normalcy.

As part of this initiative, from April 28 to May 28, 2026, Blue Cross is offering clients who purchase a Blue Cross travel policy the chance to win a $10,000 Wish Trip Giveaway in support of Make-A-Wish Canada. Blue Cross travel insurance clients are also encouraged to donate to Make-A-Wish Canada during the campaign. In a world of increasing uncertainty, travel insurance can help Canadians travel with confidence while supporting life-changing wishes for children across Canada. Clients are eligible to enter regardless of their travel dates.

“World Wish Day commemorates the first wish granted in 1980 and the life‑changing impact wishes continue to have for children facing critical illnesses,” said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer, Make-A-Wish Canada. “We are deeply grateful to Blue Cross for making this World Wish Day even more meaningful with their generous contribution and support—helping ensure more children and families can experience the healing power of travel, because Wishes Are Medicine.”

Travel wishes remain at the heart of Make-A-Wish Canada’s mission, making up more than 70 per cent of all wishes granted each year. Travel, however, can be particularly challenging for children with critical illnesses and their families, as they are often denied travel insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions. Blue Cross’ support provides comprehensive, specialized travel coverage, including 24/7 assistance and access to world-class medical expertise, ensuring families can enjoy a worry-free vacation.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and wonder of travel,” said Sylvain Charbonneau, President and CEO Ontario and Québec, Blue Cross. “At Blue Cross, we go beyond supporting wishes—we help make them possible by providing families with free, comprehensive travel insurance, removing one of the biggest barriers for children facing critical illnesses. A travel wish is more than a memorable experience—it can have a meaningful impact on a child’s health and well-being. Through our partnership with Make-A-Wish Canada, we’re proud to help turn these life-changing moments into safe, worry-free realities for children and their families.”

This type of support helps children like Marc, who was born with a complex heart condition and underwent multiple procedures, including open heart surgery, in his first year of life. Now nine years old and thriving, Marc’s wish was to visit Destin, Florida, for a beach vacation with his family. During the trip, he spent his days building sandcastles, snorkelling, and spotting dolphins on a boat ride, enjoying simple moments that became unforgettable memories.

“It was a celebration of resiliency, and what he went through,” said his mom, Gemma. “Marc’s life is not just about the trips to emergency rooms, hospitals, clinics, special appointments, or bloodwork. We believe in miracles and with the wish that came true.”

For more information and to enter the $10,000 Wish Trip Giveaway, visit: https://www.bluecross.ca/makeawish/contest/

About Blue Cross

The Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans (Blue Cross of Canada) represents the independent Blue Cross Member Plans and Licensees operating in all regions nationally. These include Alberta Blue Cross, Canassurance Blue Cross (Québec Blue Cross and Ontario Blue Cross), Manitoba Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross, Pacific Blue Cross and Saskatchewan Blue Cross. For more information, please visit www.bluecross.ca.

About Make-A-Wish^® Canada

Make-A-Wish Canada creates life-changing wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. Wishes Are Medicine — a vital part of a child’s medical journey that helps restore strength, hope, and resilience. Research shows that prescribed wishes can improve adherence to treatment, reduce emergency room visits, and deliver lasting health benefits.

Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, serving children in communities across Canada and in 50 countries worldwide. Over the past 40 years, Make-A-Wish Canada has granted more than 40,000 wishes, including 1,835 last year alone.

Recognized as a Great Place to Work^® for three consecutive years, the organization was also named one of the Best Workplaces Led by Women in 2025 and one of the Top 100 Best Workplaces for Giving Back in 2024. Learn more at makeawish.ca.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260429200345/en/

Contacts

For more information:

Make-A-Wish Canada
Melissa Perri
Senior Manager, Influence & Engagement
Make-A-Wish Canada
[email protected]

Blue Cross
Amanda Spearing
Account Manager
Earnscliffe
[email protected]

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