canadiangermannews_htsq22 
Vancouver, BC – December 1, 2023 – Yesterday, I, representing Westcoast German News, had the pleasure of attending the 2023 Gingerbread Lane Opening Reception at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver. The event featured delectable food and drinks, providing an excellent opportunity for networking with food bloggers, gingerbread house creators, and sponsors of the associated charity, the “Make-A-Wish” Foundation.
A compelling reason for people to donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation is the profound impact their contributions can have on the lives of critically ill children and their families. Make-A-Wish is dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children facing life-threatening medical conditions, providing them with hope, strength, and joy during challenging times.
Christie Bueno, Chapter Director, BC & Yukon at Make-A-Wish Canada introduced the topic of Make-A-Wish Canada with a short video showcasing three examples of children with cancer receiving their wish. It was very emotional, heart-warming and touching. They are hoping to raise $15,000 and have “tap” payment options for the first-time this year, for your convenience.
By donating to Make-A-Wish, individuals directly contribute to creating unforgettable experiences for these children, whether it’s meeting their favorite celebrity, going on a dream vacation, or experiencing something they’ve always wished for. These wishes not only bring moments of happiness and inspiration to the children but also serve as a source of strength and motivation throughout their medical journeys.
Dating back to 2000, the Gingerbread Lane event takes place annually at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver This festive display of tasty-looking Christmas gingerbread creations features some incredible structures, and donations made during the event’s run support Make-A-Wish.
The emotional and psychological benefits of wish fulfillment extend to the families, creating lasting memories during difficult times and fostering a sense of community support. Donors can feel a sense of fulfillment knowing that their contributions directly contribute to bringing joy, hope, and resilience to children and families facing significant challenges. The impact of a granted wish goes beyond the moment and can positively influence the overall well-being of the child and their loved ones.
Gingerbread Lane begins with a contest and I met one of the judges, food blogger Areta Wong from https://www.instagram.com/foodgressing She was also one of the ten people chosen to be a 2023 Gingerbread Lane Ambassador.
Here is the winning entry in the middle:
If you would like to donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation Canada, you can do so at the Vancouver Christmas Market, the Gingerbread Lane exhibit at the Hyatt Regency or online: https://makeawish.ca/get-involved/ways-to-give/ or if you happen to be travelling to Germany this Christmas, you can donate here: https://makeawish.de/ at “Make-A-Wish Germany! “Wir erfüllen ernsthaft erkrankten Kindern lebensverändernde Wünsche” (Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.) What a generous gift to share with others.