Make-A-Wish Canada does the invaluable job of granting the life-saving wishes of children with critical illnesses. For forty years, they have made the dreams of sick children come true, nurturing joy and strength not just for the kids themselves, but for their families as well. We spoke with Christie Buono, Chapter Director, BC & Yukon, to learn more.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences
Make-A-Wish Canada works with communities across the country to provide children with critical illnesses the opportunity to realize their most heartfelt wish. These wishes are more than just moments of happiness; they are crucial in improving medical outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for both the children and their families.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Wishes are full of fun and joy, but their impact on children with critical illnesses and their families goes much deeper. A wish is essential in improving the health outcomes of these children. Research shows that wishes help build resilience, reduce stress and anxiety, and support improved health outcomes. Wishes provide hope, which is an essential part of healing.
Our mission is clear: together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Our vision is to grant the wish of every eligible child.
When did you start/join it?
I started in January 2023
What made you want to get involved?
One story close to my heart shaped this journey and led me to Make-A-Wish Canada.
Kim was the daughter of one of my dad’s former Montreal Alouettes teammates. She was bravely battling terminal cancer, and her hero was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Before Make-A-Wish Canada was even on my radar, Kim’s father reached out to my dad to see if there was any way Kim could meet The Rock. Back in the early ’90s, my dad, Wally Buono, had cut Dwayne from his football team, ending his football career but launching him on his journey to mega-stardom. Dwayne’s time with my dad left a lasting impact, and it’s something Dwayne still talks about on his platforms to this day. Although their contact had been limited mostly through social media, we knew we had to try.
Immediately, I sprang into action, reaching out through social media and rallying a community to help. Against the odds, we succeeded. I coordinated with Dwayne’s team to create a personalized video message for Kim, which even included a small shout-out to my dad all these years later: “I’m pretty sure I’m his favourite player, or at least I tell myself that.” The joy it brought Kim was overwhelming, and giving her a moment of reprieve from her darkest days and granting her wish was something I will never forget.
Sadly, Kim passed away three days later. The following day, the Chapter Director position became available, and I felt as though Kim and the universe were guiding me toward an opportunity to continue bringing joy and hope to countless kids facing their own battles with critical illness.
Since stepping into this role, I have led a full rebuild of the BC & Yukon Chapter, working alongside an all-star team to grant more wishes than ever before and achieve record-breaking fundraising results. Most importantly, I’ve had the privilege of bringing together a compassionate team of staff, volunteers, donors, and Chapter Advisory Board members, all united by a shared goal of making a meaningful difference. Together, we work tirelessly to support even more children facing critical illnesses across the region.
Kim’s legacy lives on in my work and mission. With the support of our incredible community, we continue to make a lasting difference for the children and families who need it most.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I first joined Make-A-Wish Canada, we were still feeling the effects of the pandemic on our fundraising and wish-granting capabilities. International travel had not yet resumed, and with 70% of wishes in BC & Yukon being travel-related (“I Wish to Go Wishes”), there was significant catch-up needed for families who had been waiting for their wishes to be granted. Our fundraising efforts were also just beginning to ramp back up, as the pandemic had limited our ability to be out in the community and host the in-person events that are so vital to our mission.
How has it changed since?
Since then, our Chapter has experienced significant growth and transformation. We have revitalized our fundraising strategies and Chapter Advisory Board, relaunched our volunteer program, expanded our reach and awareness, and strengthened community engagement, resulting in record-breaking support that allows us to grant more wishes than ever before. We granted 125 wishes in 2022, 187 in 2023, and 225 in 2024, and we are on pace for 275 wishes in 2025. With no government funding, we have raised critical funds through individuals, corporations, foundations, and community event fundraisers, helping us reach more children in our communities than ever before.
More importantly, we have built a stronger, more connected team of staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who share a unified commitment to our mission. This renewed energy and collaboration have positioned our Chapter to create an even greater impact for children and families facing critical illnesses across BC & Yukon. But there is still much work to do. With nearly 500 children waiting for their wishes to be granted, every dollar counts in helping make dreams come true.
What more needs to be done?
Although there’s been tremendous strides in our Chapter, there is still much work to be done.
Our vision is to grant the wish of every eligible child. With over 3,700 children across the country waiting for their wish, including almost 500 right here in BC & Yukon, every dollar counts in helping make dreams come true. We need more donors, partners, volunteers, and community champions to help us reach every child who is waiting. Every wish granted brings hope, strength, and joy to a child battling critical illness, and together we can ensure that no child waits too long or misses out on the life-changing power of a wish.
How can our readers help?
You can be part of this life-changing movement in many meaningful ways. Volunteer your time, become a wish grantor, donate, attend our events, choose us as your charity of choice, or organize fundraising initiatives within your community. Help us spread awareness both online and in person. Every act of kindness and compassion, no matter how small, makes a real difference in the lives of children facing critical illnesses and their families. Together, we can bring hope and joy where it’s needed most.
Do you have any events coming up?
We’ll be out in the community all summer long thanks to our incredible community partners who have chosen to help raise funds and awareness for kids battling critical illnesses. If you see our team on location, please come by and say hi! We’d love to meet you!!
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
There are so many incredible charities doing meaningful work. A few that I really admire are the SPCA (being a dog mom myself), the Pacific Autism Family Network, Dress for Success, YWCA, WORTH Association, Special Olympics BC, and KidSport, along with any nonprofit dedicated to giving kids the opportunity to play sports. I could go on ha!
