Make-A-Wish(R) Canada Kicks-Off Holiday Season with Local Golden Jubilee Medal Recipients and Special Wish Child Entertainment

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 27, 2012) - On November 29, 2012, Golden Jubilee Medal recipients Nancy Morra and Stephanie Clayton and wish child, Randy will help Make-A-Wish^® launch its holiday 2012 Season of Wishes^® campaign at Dave & Busters in Concord.

As part of the magical evening, Make-A-Wish ambassador and wish child Stephanie Clayton, and long-time volunteer Nancy Morra, will be recognized for their dedication, contributions and efforts to supporting the organization's mission.

And, jazz loving wish child Randy who suffers from a life-threatening neurological disorder will be up front and centre for the event. Randy's one-true-wish was for a very rare and specific saxophone - a white, bell and barrel, Yamaha saxophone. Last month, Randy was surprised when he was presented his new saxophone live on-air at JazzFM.91! Listen to the podcast featuring Randy's live performance here.

Now, Randy is giving back and will be performing on his new instrument alongside his jazz ensemble group, from Cardinall Newman Catholic Secondary School in Stoney Creek as part of event festivities.

This celebration will launch the organization's annual Season of Wishes campaign focused on the spirit of giving and sharing.

Media are invited to join us at the 2012 Season of Wishes Celebration:

• WHEN: November 29, 2012

• TIME: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• WHERE: Dave & Busters (Highway 400 & 7)

120 Interchange Way

Concord, ON L4K 5C3

• WHO: Golden Jubilee Medal Recipients, jazz performance by wish child Randy and his school's jazz ensemble, wish families, volunteers, corporate supporters and Make-A-Wish staff

• WHY: To celebrate a magical year of wish granting, kick off the holiday giving season and recognize Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients.

Diamond Jubilee Recipients

Make-A-Wish ^® Toronto & Central Ontario is pleased to have taken part in the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee awards program this year. The local chapter's recipients are connected to the Foundation across various fronts - being a wish child, an ambassador and/or a volunteer and fundraiser.

Stephanie Clayton, Diamond Jubilee Recipient

As a former wish child, Stephanie has been an outstanding ambassador for Make-A-Wish through her ongoing efforts in volunteering, fundraising, and advocacy. We have seen her ongoing passion shine through each time she and her family so willingly and openly share their story with the community, corporate sponsors and volunteers.

Nancy Morra, Diamond Jubilee Recipient:

Nancy is an irreplaceable volunteer in our organization. She is always one of the first people to offer her help no matter the project. From working directly with our families to community awareness initiatives, her generosity knows no bounds. Next year will mark her 10^th magical year with us and we are incredibly lucky to have her!

Norma Humphrey:

Norma Humphrey is a passionate and active member in the Stouffville community. Each year, she tirelessly organizes a 25 km horse ride through York Regional Forest in honour of her late husband Al Humphrey. During his lifetime Al himself gave selflessly in support of many deserving organizations and charities. It is in this spirit that the Al Humphrey Memorial Ride has been established and thrives thanks to Norma.

Her annual efforts to make a difference in the community have granted numerous wishes to our courageous wish children. We are proud to have the support of the Humphrey family and their annual event allows us to continue granting magical wishes in Toronto & Central Ontario.

Note: Norma is not attending the November 29^th event.

About Make-A-Wish^® Canada

Make-A-Wish Canada is a dynamic wish-granting organization that brings hope, strength and joy to children across Canada living with life-threatening medical conditions. Along with the national office, eight regional chapters grant magical wishes to children in need from coast-to-coast. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish^® International. Make-A-Wish^® is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 300,000 children since 1980.