Referral
A wish experience begins with a referral from either a medical professional or from a member of the wish child’s family. Make-A-Wish staff work with the child’s medical team to determine if the child has a qualifying medical condition. For more information, visit: wish.org/refer
Alumni and Family Engagement
The wish does not stop here. Wish families are now part of the Make-A-Wish alumni community and have the opportunity to share their story, connect with other communities, fundraise, attend events or volunteer.
The lasting impact reflects the resilience and healing gained through the Wish Journey that continue to deepen over time.
Wish Discovery
The wish discovery volunteer meets with the wish child, typically virtually, to gather 2-3 different potential wish ideas.
Each child is unique, so our focus is on getting to the “heart of the wish” for each child. The “heart of a wish” is the WHY – the reason wish children chose the idea is just as important as the wish itself.
Wish Creation
Once the wish is officially determined and approved, staff will get to work making the wish come to life. The wish creation staff team specializes in different types of wishes – from travel wishes, to construction wishes, to celebrity wishes, and more.
About 1-6 months from the expected wish date, wish celebration volunteers are assigned. They will provide monthly boosts, create a means for the child to count down to their wish, and organize a wish day celebration (non-travel wish) or send-off celebration (travel wish)
Wish Granted
It is time to celebrate! The wish team keeps the family updated on the wish details and provides a wish day celebration or send-off that is specially customized for each child.
Onboarding
The wish family is then contacted by wish experience coordinator (staff) for a welcome call to officially kick off the onboarding process. The volunteer program coordinator (staff) assigns a wish discovery volunteer to each wish family, and the Wish Journey materials are sent to them so that discovery can begin.
Wish Discovery Volunteers
Wish Discovery volunteers guide wish children and their families at the start of the Wish Journey, helping them build resilience and experience healing. Through virtual conversations, they create meaningful connections to empower each child to explore possibilities and identify a wish inspired by their unique interests and passions. Wish Discovery volunteers collaborate closely with Make‑A‑Wish staff to ensure every child’s Wish Journey begins with clarity, excitement, and support.
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Review the full role description for duties, responsibilities,
desired qualifications and commitment expectations
Volunteers
who enjoy listening, conversations and guiding
discovery
About 1–3 hours per month
1-3 months
per wish assignment
Virtual with families, may be
in person if
part of a
volunteer pair
While we are not actively recruiting for Wish Discovery Volunteers, if you would like to indicate your interest, please contact Cathy Chan.
Wish Celebration Volunteers
Wish Celebration volunteers help spark hope, resilience, and joy for wish children and their families during the lead‑up to the wish. Working in pairs, they build meaningful connections through in‑person and virtual interactions, creating excitement for the upcoming wish. Wish Celebration volunteers collaborate closely with Make‑A‑Wish staff to ensure each child’s Wish Journey is as impactful and uplifting as possible.
​
Review the full role description for duties, responsibilities,
desired qualifications and commitment expectations
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Volunteers
who love building relationships & getting
creative
About 1–3 hours per month
1-6 months
per wish assignment
In-person with families, part of
a volunteer
pair
Become a Wish Celebration Volunteer:
​1. Review the Wish Celebration Volunteer Role Description
2. Complete the self-paced Wish Celebration Volunteer Training (30 minutes)
3. Attend a live training session focused on review and application; Register below!