There is probably nothing more heartbreaking for a parent than being told that his/her child is suffering from a life-threatening disease or illness. This knowledge and the resulting emotional pain and distress are perhaps more than any person should have to bear. The Grant-A-Wish Foundation recognised the need to support these parents and their children. They have been supported from the start, since 2006, by the T&T Defence Force with their work primarily with patients of the Paediatric and Oncology wards of the Mount Hope Hospital.
While many private companies and state enterprises give generously to children in need of surgery and various treatments for survival, a child's wish is often forgotten. The granting of a wish creates magic, if only for a short time, when fun and excitement replace the constant visits of doctors, hospitals and needles. Therefore, the Foundation aims at giving some small measure of hope and happiness to these special children through the granting of wishes for Christmas and throughout the year.
On Sunday, November 28, at 3 pm the Foundation's third annual Christmas Parade will begin from the National Academy of Performing Arts, on Frederick Street in Port-of-Spain, dancing to the music of the Cadet Band. The parade will proceed to the Bandstand where the wishes will be granted to our very special children.
The public is invited to support the cause and come out to see the giant Santa's sleigh and his elves. In attendance will be the Nativity characters, angels, toy soldiers, celebrity clowns, a choo-choo train, the Gingerbread Man and the Mounted Branch of the Police will also be there to lend their presence and support. This will indeed be an event for the whole family and we hope that many will come out to support this worthy cause.
A fund-raising barbecue (advance tickets only) is also scheduled for this day and for further information or anyone wishing to assist, please call Pat (653-7152), or Rosemarie (799-9078), or check out Web site at www.grant-a-wish-foundation.com.