Volunteering to bring smiles to children’s faces

Guelph Wish Fund for Children executive director Jessica Hill, left, receives a donation from Liz Brant of 100 Women Who Care Guelph. The wish fund has granted more than 450 wishes for children with health issues. The Guelph Wish Fund for Children provides up to $10,000 for families with kids who have significant health issues

The organizer: Jessica Hill and volunteers

The pitch: Raising $200,000

The cause: Guelph Wish Fund for Children

After her 14-year-old daughter Addy lost her battle with cancer in July, 2022, Jessica Hill made a decision to do something more meaningful with her life.

She gave up her work as a dental hygienist and took a volunteer position with the Guelph Wish Fund for Children, a charity that helps fulfill wishes of children under 19 who have a rare and debilitating syndrome, a significant illness or a life-altering injury. Earlier this year, Ms. Hill became executive director.

“I realize just being an advocate for the kids is really important for me,” said Ms. Hill who lives in Guelph with her husband and daughter.

The Guelph Wish Fund was started in 1984 by former NHL referee Ron Asselstine to assist families living in the city and Wellington County. It provides up to $10,000 to fulfill the wishes of children. So far the charity has granted more than 450 wishes, which have ranged from a family trip to Japan to home renovations, trips to Disney World, installation of a swimming pool and tickets to Billie Eilish concerts.

“We work with a family to ensure we put a little bit more of a smile on the child’s face,” Ms. Hill said.

The charity has 92 children currently in its program and many have been referred by friends, relatives or professionals. Guelph Wish operates entirely on donations and sponsorships. Ms. Hill is hoping to raise $200,000 this year, enough to fund 20 wishes.

“I hate that we even have this organization, but I never want to say no to a child, either. So that’s my drive,” she said.

Ms. Hill has also raised almost $400,000 for research into sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that claimed Addy.

“It’s been really nice to sit down with families and just really, truly, understand and empathize with what they’re going through, and at the same time help them out,” she said. “It’s really a win, win.”