Get involved and register at www.childrenswish.ca

The time of year is here again when families can engage in fun and excitement for a good cause. The Children’s Wish Foundation celebrates its 4^th annual, national XanGo Wishmaker Parade, supporting children with life threatening illnesses. The 2008 XanGo Wishmaker Parade, sponsored by global nutrition leader XanGo, maker of the original premium whole mangosteen beverage XanGo™ Juice, happens in more than 100 communities across Canada on October 18 and 19, 2008.

The event is a national parade style walk. Each year families, individuals, corporate and community groups raise funds, collected by pledges, to grant wishes for children and families affected by life threatening illnesses. This year’s title sponsor is XanGo, LLC, a recognized category creator as the first company to market a premium mangosteen beverage, XanGo Juice, to consumers worldwide. Last year, participants of the event raised $1.3 million, granting wishes for many children across Canada.

"Wishmaker Parade puts a fresh spin on a plain old walk," says Sandi Hancox, Chapter Director of Ontario, The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. "The event brings together the entire family and the entire community for an afternoon of fun and fundraising. And because it’s a parade-style walk, you’ll see floats, marching bands, cheerleaders, clowns, jugglers and a whole lot more."

It’s a great way for families to come together, have fun and make a difference in a child’s life. The magic of a wish provides children and their families with an opportunity to share the joy of a special experience, and an escape from the day-to-day challenges of illness.

Children’s Wish granted a special wish for Carter who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as an infant. His wish was to cross the finish line with world-class Canadian triathlete, Lisa Bentley who also has CF. "The whole trip was unbelievable, like living a fairy tale. For the first time I can ever remember in my life, every single detail was perfect, like it was meant to be. These memories will sustain us for a very long time," says Carter’s mother, Beth.

Communities are encouraged to get involved in their local parade this October. You can either register as an individual or create a team. Each participant that raises $100 or more will receive an incentive prize. Those who cannot join in the parade are encouraged to pledge an existing walker or team or join the virtual parade.

"When you go to the Parade and see the wish families and kids – this is one of the very things you can be involved in for a short period of time where you can really see the difference you are making. And the whole family can get involved," says Steve Rathwell, whose family has been involved in the Wishmaker Parade since 2005.

Children’s Wish has been granting wishes for over 24 years. Last year the foundation granted 900 wishes - nearly three wishes a day. This is accomplished with the help of participants in the Parade. The Children’s Wish Foundation cannot do it alone and relies entirely on the generosity of its donors and volunteers to grant its children their wishes.

For more information, and to get involved or make a donation, please visit www.childrenswish.ca or join our Facebook group: The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.