ISTANBUL, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkey on Thursday joined in 35 other countries to initiate the "World Wish Day" in a bid to give hope, strength and joy to sick and life threatening children at age between 3 and 18 in the world.
The Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) extended support to the " World Wish Day," initiated by Make-A-Wish Foundation, by beginning the day as a bell rang.
Carole Hakko, President of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Turkey, told Xinhua that few hundred people and volunteers launched the move by spreading star-shape badges with Turkish and English words "make a wish" and publicity materials in Ankara, Istanbul and other five Turkish cities.
The "World Wish Day" is being celebrated internationally for the first time in history. Thursday marks the 30th anniversary of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's achievement in making a wish of a child real.
In a ceremony held at the ISE, officials of the Make-A-Wish Turkey chapter and members of the executive board of ISE watched " Wish Child Goktug" ring the ISE bell in the morning.
A 11-year-old Turkish boy called Goktug (no family name and or his sickness for his privacy) said: "As a child whose wish was realized, I support this day."
While ringing the bell in the Istanbul Stock Exchange, he said, "My wish was to be a pilot. I was ill before. I wasn't too afraid. I am happy and excited to have rode a plane for the first time."
Now, he said "I wish peace in the world."
Despoina Papaolela, a 14-year-old girl from Athens, told Xinhua that she would like to make a wish on the special occasion, saying: "I wish healthy and happiness to children over the world."
Alexander Belaouras, a 12-year-old boy from Greece, said that he wishes that there will be no war and conflict in the world that people on the earth enjoy peace.
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work.
The foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors, and entire communities.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 after a little boy named Chris Greicius realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer.
Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 193,000 children around the world.
Although it has become one of the world's most well-known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has maintained the grassroots fulfillment of its mission.
A network of nearly 25,000 volunteers enables the Make-A-Wish Foundation to serve children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities.
As the Foundation continues to mature, its mission will remain steadfast. Wish children of the past, present and future will have an opportunity to share the power of a wish.
