Make-A-Wish Ireland Chief Executive, Susan O’Dwyer said, “We are delighted to announce this new, fun and family-friendly campaign. There are lots of ways to get involved from hosting a bake sale at work or school, to having a virtual baking competition with your friends, to surprising your neighbours with baked treats and asking that they make a small donation to help bring joy to a sick child.”
Lorraine Keane added, “Peter and I have been proud supporters of Make-A-Wish for years now. Granting wishes to seriously ill children is a cause close to our hearts, and this is such a fun way to support them. Like so many families, we got back to baking over lockdown and what better way to celebrate this great revival than to bake some delicious treats, all in aid of making wishes come true!”
Despite the necessary lockdowns and restrictions, last year Make-A-Wish granted 56 wishes to children across Ireland who are living with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and heart conditions. These wishes ranged from having a garden play tower, to virtually meeting a favourite celebrity, to having a gaming laptop.
Right now, there are over 200 seriously ill children on our waiting list. These children are at various points along the journey to having their wish granted; from application, through working with Make-A-Wish volunteers to identify what their wish will be, to simply waiting for Make-A-Wish to work their magic. As Make-A-Wish does not receive any government funding, they are asking the public to help raise funds to ensure these wishes come true.
Each participant who signs up to take part in Bake My Day will receive their own Baker’s Party Pack filled with recipes and fundraising tips. Bakers who raise over €100 for Make-A-Wish will also be gifted a bespoke Bake My Day Apron. Register for Bake My Day today at www.makeawish.ie to receive your Baker’s Party Pack.
Editors Notes
About Make-A-Wish Ireland
Make-A-Wish Ireland grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and heart conditions. No two wishes are alike, because no two sick children are alike. Since 1992, Make-A-Wish has granted wishes for more than 2,600 brave children across Ireland. A wish granted is true magic for the child, providing respite from their normal routines of hospitals, doctors and treatment. Make-A-Wish does not receive any government funding and relies on the generosity of the Irish public to continue granting wishes. For more information about Make-A-Wish Ireland, visit makeawish.ie. Charity Registration Number: CRA20052256 / CHY15267
About Bake My Day
This is the first year of this campaign and there are lots of ways to get involved. All funds raised will go towards granting wishes to seriously ill children.
· Host a bake sale in person or virtually through your school, college, workplace, or garden.
· Hold your own ‘Bake Off’ and crown the Star Baker! (Bragging rights are always a good prize)
· Host a Tea Party and gather your friends, family, or colleagues. Get your glad rags on and bring out the fancy china because it’s time for a drizzle of luxury.
· Guess how many? Simply fill an empty jar with sweets, chocolates or biscuits and ask people to guess how many are in there, closest guess takes home the goodies!
· Treats Delivered! Deliver your baking creations to your neighbours and ask them to donate to Make-A-Wish!