Who are we ?

For over 45 years, Make-A-Wish has been mobilizing communities to grant the dreams of critically ill children. What began with one boy's wish in 1980 has grown into a movement spanning 50 countries, united by the belief that every child deserves to dream, to hope, and to experience magic—even in the face of illness.

The Power of a Wish

It all began in 1980 in the United States, when Chris, a little boy suffering from a serious illness, saw his dream come true: to become a police officer for one day. This simple gesture sparked a global movement. 

For over 45 years, thousands of volunteers, partners and donors have been working to provide much more than a magical moment: a moment of hope, courage and joy for seriously ill children.

Today, Make-A-Wish operates in over 50 countries and has granted over 650 wishes worldwide.

1980: 1st wish granted

1993: Creation of Make-A-Wish International

2003: Creation in Geneva of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Switzerland and Liechtenstein

What defines us

Our mission

We grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.
Each wish is an enchanted interlude that restores strength, courage and joy to children and their families.

Our vision

Granting the wish of every eligible child by mobilizing all our energy and our formidable solidarity network.

May no seriously ill child in Switzerland and Liechtenstein be deprived of the magic of a wish.

Our 5 values

Child-centered

We always place children at the heart of our actions.

Integrity

We act with honesty, transparency and respect.

Impact

We do work that transforms lives.

Innovation

We demonstrate boldness, imagination and creativity.

Community

We are a diverse group, united around a common goal.

Make-A-Wish Switzerland & Liechtenstein

Created in 2003, Make-A-Wish Switzerland & Liechtenstein is a recognized public-benefit foundation, registered in the Swiss commercial register and subject to the supervision of the Swiss Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations (FSA).

Our headquarters are located in Geneva, in the heart of French-speaking Switzerland, and we operate in all three linguistic regions of the country thanks to a multilingual professional team, a dedicated medical committee and a national network of volunteers.

Each wish is a bespoke experience, thoughtfully and creatively designed to bring the child and their family a bubble of hope, joy, and strength. Through our unique model called the Wish Journey, we support the child and their family throughout the entire process: from capturing the wish to its fulfillment—and beyond.

We work closely with hospitals, families, volunteers and our partners to turn every wish into an unforgettable moment.

Our Impact in Numbers

wishes granted since our creation

0 +
eligible children each year in Switzerland
0
wishes pending for 2026
0

A global movement

Make-A-Wish Switzerland is proudly affiliated with Make-A-Wish International, a global network of more than 40 foundations active in 50 countries.

This affiliation allows us to benefit from strategic support, global quality standards, and the valuable Wish Assist program. Thanks to this program, Swiss children can live their dreams abroad, and we also welcome children from all over the world who come to Switzerland to fulfill their wishes. Borderless solidarity for limitless impact.

With our network of 40 affiliates in 50 countries, we can grant wishes wherever children need them.

The Wish Assist program

As part of the international Make-A-Wish network, the Wish Assist program plays a vital role in making dreams come true without borders. Through this program, when a child in Switzerland wishes to fulfill their wish abroad, our foundation works directly with the local Make-A-Wish branch to organize every detail on site.

In the same way, we welcome children from other countries who come to realize their dreams in Switzerland.

This international cooperation guarantees a seamless, safe and magical experience for every child, no matter where their dream takes them.

Join a movement that, for over 45 years, has proven that together we can transform lives, one wish at a time.