Since its founding in 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses in nearly 50 countries. Over a three-year period, Porsche is donating a total of around 1.8 million euro to Make-A-Wish. In doing so, the sports car manufacturer aims to support the fulfilment of 356 children’s wishes – a figure inspired by the first Porsche model, the Porsche 356.
“At Make-A-Wish International, we believe in the life-changing power of a wish. A wish is more than a moment of joy – it creates lasting ripple effects of hope, strength, and resilience for children with critical illnesses and their families. We are deeply grateful to Porsche for joining us in our mission to bring these transformative experiences to life,” says Luciano Manzo, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish International.
"Social responsibility is firmly anchored in Porsche culture," adds Verónica Sapena-Mas, Director Funding Projects at Porsche AG. “Together with Make-A-Wish we want to give children and their families something positive to focus on in difficult times."
Thanks to the partnership between Make-A-Wish and Porsche, more than 300 wishes have already been granted – and a further 50 will follow by the end of 2025.
Here are five examples:
Carlos (5), Mexico – seeing the sea for the first time
Carlos, from Mexico City, lives with leukaemia. His greatest wish was to one day visit the seaside. Together with his father, he travelled to Cancún, where he was warmly welcomed by the Porsche Centre Cancún/Mérida. Four days filled with games, sandcastle-building and trips out on the Riviera Maya made Carlos beam with joy – especially when he saw the sea for the first time.
Qing (4), China – fascinated by trains
Qing from Guizhou, who has melanoma skin cancer, loves high-speed trains. His wish led him to the Chinese Railway Museum in Beijing. There, he enthusiastically explored the history of the railway – from steam locomotives to modern bullet trains. For Qing, it was a day marked by happiness, curiosity and the joy of discovery.
Marta (16), Portugal – one giant leap
Marta, from Lisbon, is creative, courageous and full of joie de vivre. Her (rather daring) wish was to complete a parachute jump. Despite some – quite understandable – pre-flight nerves, she boarded the plane and took to the sky. The moment in the clouds became a symbol of hope and strength for Marta. "Today I had the incredible opportunity to fulfil a very special wish," she says.
Caleb (15), USA – a winter dream in the Rockies
Caleb, from Atlanta, lives with cystic fibrosis. His dream was to one day experience some snow. In the Rocky Mountains, he enjoyed sleigh rides with huskies, rapid descents on a snow tube and hikes in the national park. For him and his family, the trip was a shared winter fairy tale that made many memories.
Faris (5), Singapore – a birthday on Sentosa Island
Faris, who lives with West syndrome, wished for a special birthday on Sentosa Island. With his family, he was taken by a Porsche to a hotel where a beautifully decorated room and a birthday cake awaited him. Together, they celebrated a day full of joy and gratitude.
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