Changing the lives of children, one wish at a time

That's the motto for the Children's Wish Foundation as the organization held a Wishmakers Walk pledge-fundraiser today on the University of Saskatchewan campus.

"This is so important because we are constantly approving wishes and taking applications," said chapter director for the province, Gay Oldhaver. "Right now we have almost 100 children in the process of becoming eligible."

This year the Children's Wish Foundation has already granted 52 wishes with a dozen more planned before the new year.

The Wishmaker's Walk has been going strong for eight years and today the groups was hoping to raise about $30,000.

Oldhaver said with close to 30 volunteers and more than 150 participants the goal is very much attainable, adding it take on average about $10,000 per wish.

"We never deny an eligible child a wish," she said.

Twenty-year-old Kayla Ingram attended the walk, sharing her story of the wish that came true for her in 2002.

Ingram's wish came true when she had the chance to fly to New York City and meet the cast of Sesame Street.

Always a fan of the show, Ingram said she collects Elmo toys and she even has a special Elmo she keeps by her side during surgeries and medical tests.

"I've always wanted to go to New York when I was little. When we finally did I was amazed that it was so big," said Ingram. "I was part of an episode of Sesame Street, I was just a sit-in, but ever since then everything has been good, nothing bad has happened."

For eight-year-old Tye Crerar, he's counting down the days to November 3 for his wish.

"I wished to go to Florida and to visit LegoLand, Universal Studios and DisneyWorld," said Crerar. "I went there when I was younger and I want to go again because it was so much fun."

For Crerar's mother Nicole, the Children's Wish Foundation has been such a blessing for her and the rest of their family.

"He was diagnosed a year ago this weekend he's healthy now and back in school."

"The idea of the wish has definitely helped Tye focus on something fun and happy through all his tests and doctor's visits," said Nicole Crerar. "It has added excitement and a dream to look forward too when he's going through some tougher times."

In 27 years, the Saskatchewan chapter has granted more than 700 wishes.

fbiber@rawlco.com

Follow on Twitter: @notthebeebs