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World Wish Day

Grant a wish and spread joy on World Wish Day - join us in making dreams come true for those who need it most.

Thursday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 29

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYYouth

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On April 29, the world comes together to celebrate the power of wishes on World Wish Day. This day is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Chris Greicius, a young boy with leukemia whose wish to be a police officer was granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 1980. Since then, this organization has been granting wishes to children with critical illnesses all over the world. It's a day to spread joy and hope, and to remember that anything is possible when we come together to make dreams come true. So let's join in on the celebrations and help make more wishes come true!

TIMELINE

World Wish Day Timeline

Foundation of Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish was founded following the granting of Chris Greicius' wish to be a police officer for a day, sparking the organization's mission.

National Status

Make-A-Wish becomes officially recognized as a national charity in the United States, setting the foundation for its expansion and visibility.

Global Presence

Make-A-Wish International was established, helping to extend wish-granting into over 50 countries outside the U.S.

Milestone Achievement

Make-A-Wish celebrates its 20th anniversary and the granting of its 100,000th wish, marking significant impact in supporting children with critical illnesses.

First World Wish Day

Make-A-Wish celebrates the first World Wish Day to honor the day Chris' wish was granted, spurring global celebrations annually on April 29th.

Virtual Wish Granting

Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, Make-A-Wish adapts to fulfill wishes virtually, ensuring children continue to experience hope and joy.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Wish Day

Grant a wish

The best way to celebrate World Wish Day is by fulfilling a wish for someone in need. Look for local wish-granting organizations or make a donation to a reputable charity that helps make wishes come true.

HOST

Host a fundraising event

Gather your friends and family and organize a fundraising event to support a wish-granting organization. It could be a bake sale, a charity concert, or even a fun run – get creative and have fun while supporting a great cause.

SPREAD

Spread awareness on social media

Use the power of social media to spread awareness about World Wish Day and the importance of granting wishes for those in need. Share stories of wish recipients and encourage others to get involved in making wishes come true.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a wish-granting organization

Contact a local wish-granting organization and offer your time and skills to help make wishes come true. Whether it’s organizing events, granting wishes, or simply spreading joy, your efforts can make a big difference in someone’s life.

MAKE

Make a wish for yourself

Take some time to reflect on your own wishes and dreams, and make a plan to turn them into reality. Use World Wish Day as a reminder to never stop chasing your own wishes and making them come true.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Wish Day is Important

It encourages kindness and giving back

World Wish Day is a reminder to spread love and kindness to others. Whether it's by volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, donating to the cause, or simply showing kindness to those around us, this day encourages us to give back and make a positive impact in our communities.

It raises awareness for a great cause

World Wish Day is an annual event that aims to raise awareness and funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. By celebrating this day, we can help bring attention to this important cause and make a difference in the lives of these children.

It celebrates the power of imagination and hope

Wishes have the ability to inspire and give hope - not just to those receiving them, but also to those who are involved in making them come true. On World Wish Day, we celebrate the power of imagination and positivity, and how it can impact and transform lives.

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