Make-A-Wish® Canada (Wish Granter)

Organization Name: Make-A-Wish® Canada
Opportunity Title: Wish Granter
Category: Children & Youth
Commitment: 6 months to 1 year
Start Date: April 17, 2019
End Date: April 29, 2020

Email: karen.kwapien@makeawish.ca
Website: http://www.makeawish.ca
Details:

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Training or orientation required

Opportunity Description:

  Position Summary A wish granter will meet with the wish child and family members to help determine the child’s most heartfelt wish while brainstorming and planning special enhancements throughout the wish process. Wish granters work in teams of two alongside Make-A-Wish staff to ensure every eligible child’s wish comes true. Duties and Responsibilities Partner with at least one other volunteer wish granter to help grant the wishes of children throughout the chapter’s territory. Visit the wish child, with the goal of discerning his/her one true wish, while gaining a clear understanding of the reason behind the child’s most heartfelt wish. Complete and submit wish paperwork in a timely manner according to chapter guidelines. Create a magical wish experience for the wish child by planning and delivering “wish enhancements” – special, creative touches that keep the child excited about the wish throughout the process. Solicit in-kind donations, ensuring Make-A-Wish resources are used wisely. Plan “send-off” party or “presentation” party for each wish, as appropriate. Develop a positive rapport with the wish child and family by serving as a liaison between chapter staff and the wish family, ensuring the family is updated on the status of the wish throughout the wish process. Act as a reliable, communicative and productive member of the “wish team” by working closely with a volunteer partner and Make-A-Wish staff to create the best possible wish experience for the child. Other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate. Desired Qualifications Passion for children and high comfort level with interacting with children ages 3 to 17. Creative thinker with drive to make each wish unique and magical. Excellent people skills with the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, especially children with critical illnesses. Highly organized and detail-oriented. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Resourceful and self-motivated with a willingness to solicit in-kind donations. Flexible schedule and willingness to drive up to one hour to visit with wish child and family. Bilingual abilities in written and spoken form a plus.   Location of Opportunity Meetings may take place at the wish family’s home or at a neutral location, such as a restaurant or hospital. Typically, wish meetings are scheduled for weekday evenings or weekends based upon the schedules of the wish team and wish family. Departure parties may be planned for the wish family’s home or a nearby venue/restaurant. Volunteer Commitment The average wish requires between 20-25 hours of volunteer work over a span of about six months to a year. Each wish can vary greatly in the time it takes to grant depending on the requested wish and wish family circumstances. Agree to work on a minimum of two wishes per year. Ensure all photos and communications from the wish family before, during and after the wish are passed along to the office. Complete official Make-A-Wish Wish Granter training. Attend continuing education courses, as offered by Make-A-Wish chapter staff. Provide and receive ongoing performance evaluation feedback from chapter staff.   Join Our Team of Inspired People Transforming Lives We are more than a great place to volunteer – our work is life changing. We are an inclusive and diverse group of people who, through a mosaic of backgrounds, thoughts and experiences are united in purposeful work. We are fueled and guided by our values – values that are represented in the inspired people we work with and the transformational work we do every day.