Since it launched in 1980, the Make-A-Wish foundation has fulfilled some 550,000 wishes for young people across more than 50 countries. Thanks to a donation of approximately 1,800,000 euros, Porsche is helping the organisation to grant 356 dreams – a number inspired by the first Porsche model, the 356.
Already more than 200 wishes have been granted as a result of the partnership, including 120 dreams in 2024 alone. Here are four examples:
Yu, 10, Taiwan
Yu, who suffers from a rare disease, has always dreamed of becoming a racing driver, and so the newly opened Porsche Driving Centre Lihpao beckoned.
His special afternoon began with a guided tour of some legendary Porsche models. Yu was then kitted out with a customised racing suit and helmet. During a driver briefing, he learnt about the most important positions and driving techniques – with a Porsche 911 GT3 used to demonstrate.
Then came his long-awaited moment: the drive. As his Porsche for the day rocketed around the racetrack, Yu was grinning from ear to ear in the passenger seat. After two exciting laps, he couldn't help but laugh outloud: “It was so much fun, but I wish we could go even faster!”
Arya, 10, USA
Arya was very young when he was diagnosed with cancer. During his treatment, he became a great fan of superheroes – impressed not only by their superpowers, but the way they help others, too.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Arya therefore had a very particular wish: to meet a police officer and experience a little of what it’s like to be a kind of superhero himself. After all, police officers dedicate their working lives to protecting communities.
On the day of his wish being granted, Arya was taken to the Cobb County Police Department training ground in a police convoy. An unforgettable experience awaited him there: in a solemn ceremony, he was sworn in as a ‘keeper of the peace’ by both the local police and the Cobb County Fire Department. Wearing a customised police uniform, he was then able to take part in some exciting activities, including realistic safety exercises, driving simulations and even a simulated rescue mission with a dog squadron.
Arya's wish came true that day, and he was able to slip into the role of some of the real heroes that he so greatly admires.
Klara, nine, Germany
Along with her family, Klara travelled to Wolfsburg to fulfil her dream, which was to see professional footballer Alexandra Popp play live – and then meet her in person.
As soon as she arrived in Wolfsburg, Klara was kitted out with a complete set of jerseys from her favourite team. Then it was off to the stadium to cheer on the Wolves at the season opener. It only took nine minutes before Klara could celebrate from the stands – and it was her favourite player, Popp, who scored the first goal.
After the game, Klara got to spend some proper time with her idol, who made the day even more unforgettable by gifting her a signed football shirt.
Kai, seven, China
Kai has a very special passion: he loves pandas. A shy and reserved boy, he has long enjoyed watching videos about them and dreamed of seeing a real panda up close.
In March, his dream came true when Make-A-Wish took Kai and his family on a 1,700-kilometre journey to the China Observation and Research Center for Giant Panda in Sichuan province. There, Kai experienced an unforgettable moment when, for the first time, he saw pandas up close and was able to observe his favourite animals in their natural environment.
But that wasn't all. Kai was even allowed to prepare the food for the pandas' next meal and take part in the feeding – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
