Lauren Donnelly, Chapter Director for Make-A-Wish Quebec, leads a dynamic team of 25 staff members in their mission to transform lives “one wish at a time.” Under her two-year leadership, the organization has seen remarkable growth, nearly doubling their wish-granting capacity from 251 wishes in 2022 to 449 in 2024. With over 1,000 children currently waiting for their wishes to be granted in Quebec, Donnelly and her team are pushing toward an ambitious goal of fulfilling 564 wishes in 2025, while aiming to raise $5.5 million through private donations and community support.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
For 40 years Make-A-Wish Canada | Rêves d’enfants has given sick children and their families the strength they need to face critical illness by granting them their most heartfelt wish. Each wish offers a unique journey tailored to the child’s interests, helping them and their families create unforgettable memories during incredibly challenging times and providing a break from treatments and stress. Through community support and with the help of passionate volunteers, we strive to transform lives, one wish at a time.
What problem does it aim to solve?
At its core, our mission is about bringing light to some of the darkest moments in a family’s life. By creating positive, exciting, meaningful and fulfilling memories, we aim to address the emotional and psychological challenges faced by children with critical illnesses, as well as their families. By reducing stress and anxiety and fostering joy and resilience, wishes support better health outcomes alongside necessary medical care. These wishes are more than just moments of happiness; they are a crucial component in the treatment of children with critical illnesses and enhance the quality of life for both the children and their families. In fact, according to the 2022 Wish Impact Survey, 100% of medical providers said the wish experience improves a child’s emotional well-being.
When did you start/join it?
I joined Make-A-Wish | Rêves d’enfants Canada two years ago and have been working tirelessly alongside a mighty team of 25 staff members in Quebec to “raise money, grant wishes, and be awesome” (our motto!), ever since.
What made you want to get involved?
I learned about Make-A-Wish as a child, mostly through commercials on TV where I saw sick children meeting their favourite celebrities, throwing out first pitches, etc. I have followed the Foundation ever since, feeling heartened and inspired whenever I would see images of kids all over the world living out their biggest dreams. To be able to be part of making those wishes come true now is an honour and privilege.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I first joined Make-A-Wish | Rêves d’enfants Canada, we were still feeling the effects of the pandemic on our fundraising and wish-granting abilities. International travel had not yet resumed, and with 75% of the wishes in Quebec being “To Go” (i.e. travel wishes), there was much catch-up to do for these families who had been waiting for their wish to be granted. Our fundraising abilities were also just starting to ramp back up after the pandemic limited important in-person fundraising events.
How has it changed since?
Since then, our Chapter has been working tirelessly to reach each family waiting, as well as grant wishes to those who’ve been more recently referred for a wish. In Quebec, we granted 251 wishes in 2022 and nearly doubled that number having granted 449 wishes in 2024! We continue to reach higher and are aiming to grant 564 wishes to kids living with critical illnesses in 2025. All of these wishes are funded through private donations. This year, in Quebec, our goal is to raise $5.5 M through individuals, corporations, foundations, and community event fundraisers. We have also increased our number of active volunteers from 155 to 192 this year. The expression “it takes a village” could not be more true when it comes to making wish experiences possible for children and their families.
What more needs to be done?
While we have made incredible progress over the past two years, there is still so much more to achieve. In Quebec, over 1,000 children are waiting for their wish to come true, and we must continue expanding our reach. This includes building stronger corporate partnerships, increasing volunteer support, doubling our marketing efforts and enhancing our fundraising strategies to ensure no child waits longer than necessary for their wish to come true. Wishes are extraordinary, but not free, so we need to bring our communities together to support a robust and thriving wish delivery program. Collaboration and community involvement are key to fulfilling our mission and providing the therapeutic powers of a wish to sick kids and families in our communities.
How can our readers help?
There are many ways to make a difference and support our mission to grant life-changing wishes to critically ill children:
– Donate: Every donation matters. Whether it’s an annual gift, a monthly donation, a pledge, or a bequest, your support helps us bring hope and joy to children during their toughest times. Our foundation is 100% privately funded, and our donors are directly responsible for experiences we are able to grant these children. In today’s economic climate, every donation brings us closer to granting another wish to a child looking forward to their big moment.
– Fundraise: If you’re looking to amplify your impact, hosting a fundraiser is a wonderful way to get involved. Whether it’s joining one of our events as part of a team, like the 48 Hour Ride participating as a corporate sponsor through Trees of Joy, or even hosting your own event using our online fundraising platform, our community always finds creative ways to bring their circles together to help grant wishes.
– Volunteer: If you’d like to be even more hands-on, volunteers are the heart of our organization. Whether it’s greeting wish families at the airport, delivering gifts, or helping a child choose their wish, volunteers play a key role in making these beautiful moments happen.
No matter how you choose to get involved, know that your support is deeply appreciated. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of these children and their families.
Do you have any events coming up?
Such a great question! The team is currently working on the 48 HOUR RIDE, our biggest fundraising event in Quebec. This incredible event will take place in Mirabel from September 19 to 21, 2025, bringing together teams of 6 cyclists who take turns riding their bikes for 48 hours straight.
The event isn’t a race—it’s all about raising funds, spreading hope, and having fun. You don’t need to be an athlete or a professional cyclist to participate—everyone rides at their own pace. The focus is on creating an uplifting and inclusive atmosphere filled with teamwork, determination, and community spirit. It’s an unforgettable experience, all in support of granting life-changing wishes for children who need it most!
Last year, thanks to the dedication and generosity of everyone involved, we raised over $3.5 million to grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses. This year, we’re aiming even higher, and we can’t wait to share the excitement with everyone who joins us.
Where can we follow you?
LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Wish children are treated in hospitals across the province, where they receive care from remarkable healthcare workers. These healthcare professionals refer their patients to us, entrusting us to provide therapeutic healing and emotional support that goes beyond what medicine alone can offer. The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, La Fondation Ste-Justine, La Fondation du CHU du Québec, la Fondation CHUS and all other children’s hospitals across Quebec deserve recognition for their collaboration with Make-A-Wish | Rêves d’enfants, ensuring their patients receive the most comprehensive and compassionate care possible.
