MAKE-A-Wish Malaysia is reaching more children who have critical illnesses.
Driven by rising awareness and community support, the organisation’s expansion reflected a commitment to the transformative power of a wish, said its chief executive officer Irene Tan.
“Our organisation will focus on nurturing relationships with corporate sponsors and donors whose support has been instrumental in helping us continue our mission.
“We also have an amazing team of volunteers, who give their time and effort to plan the granting of the wishes,” she said during an interview at Make-A-Wish Malaysia’s office in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Tan said the organisation aimed to grant 130 wishes this year, to children who are suffering from critical illnesses.
The non-profit entity grants 10 wishes a month on average, with over 1,200 wishes granted since its establishment in 2010.
Make-A-Wish Malaysia vice-chairman Datuk Stuart Ramalingam said the organisation’s growth not only reflected the increasing demand for its services, but also underscored the profound impact a single wish could have on a child’s emotional and physical well-being.
“As the organisation continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing hope, strength and happiness to children during some of the most challenging moments of their lives,” he said.
Stuart said every wish granted served as a lifeline of hope for children and families facing unimaginable challenges.
“We are currently able to reach an estimated 3.2% of the nearly 5,000 children in Malaysia diagnosed with critical illnesses each year.
“This gap drives our urgency to act,” he said.
“We are expanding our reach with new hubs in Perak and Penang this year,” he added.
Stuart said that more than 200 children were referred to the organisation by government hospitals nationwide each year, and that its fundraising golf tournament remained a major revenue contributor.
“We are able to bring in an estimated RM200,000,” he said, but stressed that this was not sufficient to fund all wishes.
“We need greater public support to help us fulfil the wishes of eligible children as they continue their medical journeys,” he said.
On April 29, the golfing fraternity will gather at Tropicana Golf and Country Resort for Make-A-Wish Malaysia’s “Tee Off for Hope” annual charity golf tournament, held in conjunction with World Wish Day.
Tournament partner VCI Global Limited corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee representative Amanda Lee Jing Min said: “The company believes hope is one of the most powerful gifts it can offer, especially to children facing life-threatening illnesses.
“We are proud to support a mission that brings courage, resilience and joy to children who need it most.”
Lee said that the reason VCI Global had continued to support Make-A-Wish over the years was the positive impact of seeing how the contributions directly helped grant wish journeys across Malaysia.
“We encourage our employees to take part in volunteering with Make-A-Wish as well.
“We can see the direct impact that we are creating and we see the hope that it gives to the children,” she said.
Lee added that volunteerism fostered empathy, cultivated a culture of giving and social responsibility, and provided employees with an opportunity to come together beyond work for a meaningful cause.
To contribute to Make-A-Wish Malaysia, call 03-2738 9939 or visit makeawish.org.my
