Communities across Louth called on to help grant wishes for sick children

More than 300 children in Ireland are currently waiting for life-changing wishes as Make-A-Wish Ireland launches Wish Week 2026.

Make-A-Wish Ireland are calling on caling on communities across Louth 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 Irishpublic and corporate partners.

The nationwide fundraising campaign,supported by its4women, will run from Saturday, April 11th to Friday, April 17th, with a dedicated Donation Day on Friday, April 17th, when volunteers will be out in force in towns, shopping centres and communities across Louth and the rest of the country.

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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 collections will take place in both Dundalk Dunnes Stores, Drogheda Dunnes Stores, and on street collections in both towns on Friday, April 17th .

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 in Louth on Friday, April 17th, and donate generously.

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

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