CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish

The Wish was originally established in 1966 as CHUM’s Kid’s Crusade Foundation, for the purpose of assisting children in need and children’s charities. In 1973, the name was changed to the CHUM Charitable Foundation in order to broaden the scope of the foundation’s work, including the increase in requests for financial assistance from adults in need. In 2008, the program became known as the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish.

The Wish has become one of the largest distributors of toys to those in need in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as providing financial assistance to hundreds of agencies. The Bell Media family is looking forward to celebrating its 58th Annual Wish. With the outstanding support of CP24 and 104.5 CHUM, we reach both radio and television audiences for community assistance.

We welcome back RBC Royal Bank, which celebrates 56 years with our program! With the continued support of RBC and our other campaign partners and loyal donors, The Wish hopes to bring the magic of the holidays to those in need of assistance this holiday season.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with The Wish. For information on current volunteering opportunities, please email donna.dolan@bellmedia.ca.

Even the smallest contribution can make a big difference! All financial donations of $20 or more are eligible for an income tax receipt.

Our charitable registration number is 11885 9057 RR0001. Cheques should be made payable to The Wish, and must include the name and mailing address of the person who should receive the tax receipt. Tax receipts will be issued to individuals who are part of a group donation; we will also recognize the group effort with a thank you letter.

For group donations, please provide us with a list of donors’ names, the donors’ home addresses and the amounts donated. Tax receipts will not be sent to an individual’s work address.

Online Donations

Financial donations can be made online to The Wish.

Financial donations in the form of cash or cheques and toy donations in the form of new, unwrapped toys for newborns to kids 18 years of age will be accepted at the following locations:

• The Wish Warehouse – 1366 Blundell Road, Mississauga
• Online at thewish.ca
• The lobby of 299 Queen Street West

If you wish to make a product donation throughout the year please contact julie.mclean@bellmedia.ca directly.

Gift Ideas

Children in the age groups below are sometimes difficult to shop for and often overlooked by donors. Please use these helpful tips to help give a kid a Christmas.

Infants & Babies

• Make sure the toy is age appropriate by the manufacturer’s age rating (0 – 6 months) and (3 months +) are in highest demand
• Package should say ‘Infant Friendly’ or ‘Baby’s First,’ ‘Infantino,’ etc.
• Developmental toys (Fisher Price, Baby Einstein, Playskool, Leap Frog Baby)
• No small parts

Children Ages 10 to 18 Years Old

• Gift cards in the $30-$40 value range would be best (Hudson's Bay, WalMart, Cineplex, Gap, Stitches, Chapters, Coles, Old Navy, Garage, Blue Notes, La Senza, etc.)
• Electronic games, age-appropriate board
• Sports equipment (soccer, basketball, football, hockey, skateboards, scooters, etc.)
• Roller blades, ice skates, snow boards
• Bicycle helmets
• Cosmetics (age appropriate: 16 – 18 years old)
• Personal care and grooming gift packs
• Hair products and accessories (curling irons, blow dryers, shavers, beard groomers, etc.)
• Diaries, journals
• Creative and craft supplies
• Purses, knapsacks/backpacks

Thank you for your interest in the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish.

While we don't provide direct assistance to families or individuals, we work closely with registered charities and agencies that support families year-round. These organizations receive the gifts we provide and distribute them to their clients.

To receive assistance, we suggest reaching out to local organizations in your area, such as Community Centers, Churches, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA/YWCA, and Youth Centers.

We hope you find the help you need, and we wish you and your family a warm and joyful holiday season ahead.