Hundreds of children still waiting for a wish

More than 300 children in Ireland are currently waiting for life-changing wishes as Make-A-Wish Ireland marks Wish Week 2026 this week, supported by its4women, calling on communities across the country to come together and help meet growing demand.

The figure comes as the charity continues to expand its reach, granting 229 wishes in 2025, its highest number to date, made possible through the generosity of the Irish public and corporate partners.

The nationwide fundraising campaign, which started last Saturday (11^th) finishes with a dedicated Donation Day this coming Friday (17th) when volunteers will be out in force in towns, shopping centres and communities across Ireland.

Now in its 18th year, Wish Week will shine a light on the power of a wish, bringing communities together to support children living with critical medical conditions and their families.

In 2025, Wish Week raised €245,000, helping Make-A-Wish Ireland increase the number of wishes delivered from 200 to 229. This year, the charity is aiming to raise €265,000 to continue growing the number of wishes granted annually.

Make-A-Wish Ireland has granted over 3,600 wishes since 1992, creating moments of joy, strength and hope for children living with life-threatening illnesses.

Local bucket collections will take place at Dunnes Stephens Green S/C, Dunnes Georges Street, Dunnes Cournelscourt, Dunnes Leopardstown Valley, Dunnes Dundrum S/C, Dunnes the Square Tallaght, Mill Shopping Centre, and Ashleaf Shopping Centre.

Local ambassador, Rachel Moore, Dublin Senior Footballer and Make-A-Wish GPA Ambassador said: “I’m very proud to be a Make-A-Wish Ambassador.

The work they do for sick children in Dublin and the rest of the country is incredible.

They have collections across Dublin for Wish Week 2026.

Any support from the public at these locations or through online donations would be incredible and will help to grant magical wishes in the region during 2026.”

David Burns, Head of Fundraising at Make-A-Wish Ireland, said:

“Wish Week is a moment for communities across Ireland to come together and make a real difference.

“A wish can bring hope, strength and joy to a child and their family during incredibly difficult times.

“Thanks to the generosity of the public and partners like its4women, we were able to increase the number of wishes granted last year, but with over 300 children currently waiting, the need has never been greater.

“We are asking people to support their local volunteers, donate what they can, and help us reach even more children this year.”

Kerry Beckett, Marketing Manager at its4women, said:

“Over the past year, our partnership with Make-A-Wish has shown us just how powerful a single wish can be.

“We’ve seen first-hand the joy and lasting impact these moments create for children and their families, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud to support.

“As we come on board once again for Wish Week 2026 we’re excited to help build on that momentum and reach even more children in need.

“We would encourage everyone to get involved, whether by donating or spreading the word, and be part of making more wishes come true.”

Make-A-Wish Ireland receives no government funding and relies entirely on public donations and corporate support, such as its4women, to continue to provide vital services for families.

Wishes are delivered as an integral part of a child’s treatment journey, helping to improve emotional wellbeing, create lasting family memories, and give children something positive to focus on during challenging times.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED 

Look out for the Make-A-Wish team in blue at bucket collections in Dunnes Stores supermarkets and on-street locations this Friday, April 17th, and donate generously.

Donate online at www.makeawish.ie or via Revolut on Friday, April 17, Wish Week’s Donation Day.

Spread the word on social media using #WishWeek2026 and encourage friends, family and colleagues to support the campaign.

Local bucket collections will take place at Dunnes Stephens Green S/C, Dunnes Georges Street, Dunnes Cournelscourt, Dunnes Leopardstown Valley, Dunnes Dundrum S/C, Dunnes the Square Tallaght, Mill Shopping Centre, and Ashleaf Shopping Centre.