Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia: Honourable senators, it is my privilege to rise today to recognize the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada, which for the past 40 years has granted 38,000 life‑changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across Canada. With a robust team of volunteers, this national organization is responding to the needs of children across the country.

In 1983, Nigel Brown and Robb Lucy established the first Canadian chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They were inspired by a 13-year-old who was diagnosed with leukemia and wished to go visit her grandparents in Germany. When Nigel and Robb heard the story, they paid for the trip personally.

In my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the VOCM Cares Foundation was established in 1986 by the Butler family, owners of Radio Newfoundland, with a commitment to supporting charities. The foundation recognized the urgent requirements to provide the hope, strength and joy to a wish child facing critical illnesses in my province, and helped pave the way for our provincial chapter.

With the integral support of devoted volunteers, over 900 wishes have been granted for children in my province, ranging from the Avalon Peninsula to northern Labrador, and this number continues to grow. For Connor, a young boy from central Newfoundland with cancer, travelling to Disney World with his family provided hope and joy that he had not seen in the darker days of his treatment. For Ali, a young girl from Westport with complex genetic conditions, having “Rock Solid Builds” build her a dream home playhouse provided a haven from the hospital beds she had become so accustomed to. For Theo, who is with us here today, attending a fortieth-anniversary trip to the Give Kids The World Village in Florida with 40 wish families across Canada meant a sense of togetherness and connectivity.

The support of my province for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada is unwavering, from ATV rides in rural communities to the Doctors for Wishes team in central Newfoundland, to the HMCS St. John’s navy crew riding over 900 kilometres across the province to raise funds and awareness.

Catalyzing this remarkable effort is Dr. Desmond Whalen. His altruistic spirit, generosity and unwavering support embody and reflect the essence of my province and its long history of always being there for those in need.

Honourable senators, please join me in welcoming the team from Make-A-Wish Canada in our chamber today, as well as Theo and his family, as they continue their work to brighten the lives of children with critical illnesses in our communities. Thank you. Meegwetch.