Leprechaun Joe again raising thousands for dream Disney World trip with Make-A-Wish kids

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“This year, I’m pounding the streets, talking to businesses, including ones who know me and what I’m going to ask as soon as I walk in the door,” he says.

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“Having helped 17 wish kids so far, I’ve shed a lot of tears with the stories I’ve heard. Often, kids have been on a waiting list for so long, or it’s something else. But hearing those stories and knowing the joy they get from having a wish granted is what keeps me going.”

This year, Make-A-Wish is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a July trip to Disney World. That trip will grant the wishes of 40 kids from across the country all at once, and Hittel will be joining them as a volunteer.

His target for raising the $50,000 is end of December.

Meaghan McKnight, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada, marvels at Hittel’s dedication. She also notes the pandemic led to a lot of wishes building up because 70 per cent involve travel.

The waitlist nationwide is about 4,000, about 330 of which are in Alberta, she says. There are around 11 in the Red Deer area. Make-A-Wish has a target of granting 1,800 across Canada this year, with the pre-pandemic record being about 1,500. They had hit 900 by mid-April, so things are shaping up well.

“We had our first wish granted in 1983 and since then have granted 37,000 wishes across Canada. We’re inspiring supporters to help us fund this trip, and Joe is one of those amazing supporters who signed up to raise $50,000,” says McKnight. “It wont be if, but when he reaches that target, and he’ll get to come with us this summer to bring those wishes to life.”

Jen Garden, Chapter Director, Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta, adds, “We’re so thrilled to continue working with Joe in granting as many wishes as possible. To see his enthusiasm and passion continue for this many years is inspiring and we hope Joe inspires others to be as involved as he is, or at least try to get close.”

Hittel is also hosting a silent auction this summer, the details for which are being finalized, but he is seeking auction items.

To donate to Joe Hittel’s fundraising efforts or learn more, visit MakeAWishca.donordrive.com or MakeAWish.ca.

In the meantime, Make-A-Wish Canada is also running a new campaign called Women for Wishes; as well, the Northern Alberta chapter is hosting a slo-pitch tournament this summer in Devon, and a golf tournament in Edmonton.

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