Wallingford Child's Wish Selected to Honor Decade-long Partnership: UAW-GM's 10,000th Wish CelebrationJanuary 5th, 2009. For 10 years and nearly 10,000 wishes, the International Union, UAW, and the General Motors Corporation have been invaluable partners in helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions nationwide.
To celebrate reaching the 10,000th wish, the
UAW-GM
Center for Human Resources sponsored a wish in each of the 66 Make-A-Wish® chapters at the end of 2008. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Connecticut selected the wish of Jan Paul, 8, of
Wallingford to honor the national wish milestone.
Jan Paul asked the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut to grant his fondest wish: to return to his homeland of
Puerto Rico. Two years ago, Jan had to say goodbye to his life in Puerto Rico when his family moved to the U.S. Since then, he has truly missed his school friends, many family members, his Godfather, and the horse he left behind in
Caguas. Jan's wish was the perfect opportunity to return to the place most dear to his heart. Jan's wish came true in December, when he was able to spend a week of the holiday season in his beloved
Puerto Rico. His mom said Jan’s entire family had a wonderful time and that Jan was “so happy” during his wish experience.
UAW-GM became a national sponsor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 1999 with the theme Making Smiles Standard Equipment® for wish children. Besides providing funding to grant wishes, UAW-GM members, GM dealers and GM employees have an impact in their communities by volunteering for the Foundation, participating in chapter events, raising funds and lending their time and skills to wishes.
“UAW-GM has made supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation a part of its culture, and nearly 10,000 children have enjoyed memorable, magical wish experiences as a result,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “Regardless of the challenges the economy has faced during our decade-long partnership, UAW-GM has always made our wish kids and their heartfelt wishes top priority in its community outreach efforts.”
About UAW-GM
In 1999, the International Union, UAW and the General Motors Corporation announced a national sponsorship of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Together, they are committed to helping grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. This initiative is an extension of their common goals and beliefs – a commitment to community, family and helping those who need it most.
UAW and GM have helped to grant thousands of wishes. In addition, their sponsorship has helped raise funds for the Foundation through GM dealer donations and community-based promotions. With the help of Make-A-Wish volunteers and other generous people, they are truly Making Smiles Standard Equipment® for wish children all over the country.
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