An authority in the field of hospitality, Katarina Railko, recently turned her focus to initiatives that support families facing critical illnesses. She’s here to discuss the incredible impact of the “Wish Trip” organized by Make-A-Wish Canada. In this conversation, we’ll explore the conception and execution of this initiative, the experiences and memories it created for families, and future plans for similar efforts.
Can you tell us about the idea behind the “Wish Trip” and how it was developed by Make-A-Wish Canada?
The “Wish Trip” was conceived as a unique opportunity to provide families with critically ill children a chance to escape the pressures of their day-to-day challenges. Make-A-Wish Canada aimed to create a space where families could enjoy time together, free from the constant stress of medical appointments and uncertainty. It’s about crafting experiences that foster joy and create lasting memories.
How did you select the families that participated in this inaugural “Wish Trip” to Cancun?
Selection was a thoughtful process, focussing on families who would benefit most from a respite from their daily struggles. We wanted to create an inclusive environment where as many families as possible could share these invaluable experiences together.
What were some criteria that Make-A-Wish Canada considered in selecting the Planet Hollywood Cancun Resort and Sunwing Airlines as partners for this initiative?
We partnered with Planet Hollywood Cancun and Sunwing Airlines due to their exceptional hospitality standards and dedication to creating a comfortable, stress-free experience. Their amenities and service levels were crucial in ensuring these families felt special and cared for at every step of the journey.
What kinds of accommodations and amenities did the Planet Hollywood Cancun Resort offer to these families?
The resort provided luxurious, all-inclusive accommodations tailored to the needs of families. This included everything from accessible facilities to exciting on-site activities, ensuring that every family could enjoy both adventure and relaxation.
How did the involvement of Sunwing Airlines contribute to making the trip comfortable for the families?
Sunwing Airlines went above and beyond to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. They understood the needs of these families, offering personalized service and support from the moment they boarded the plane, making the travel experience as seamless as possible.
What were some of the key activities planned for the families during their stay at the resort?
The trip was packed with activities designed to thrill and entertain. From meeting favorite movie characters to exploring the resort on guided tours, every moment was crafted to provide joy and engage both kids and adults in unforgettable experiences.
How did meeting their favorite movie characters impact the children and their families?
It was truly magical watching the children interact with their beloved characters. These moments allowed them to step into a world of imagination and joy that many had only dreamed of, creating cherished memories for both the children and their parents.
Could you describe the significance of the Stars Kids Club and its role during the trip?
The Stars Kids Club played a pivotal role in creating a nurturing space for the children, filled with engaging activities that encouraged creativity and play. It also provided parents the opportunity for some much-needed relaxation, knowing their kids were in a safe, enriching environment.
What kind of feedback did you receive from the families after participating in the “Wish Trip”?
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Families expressed gratitude for the chance to step away from their challenges and connect in a peaceful setting. Many mentioned the trip restored a sense of normalcy and brought them hope and happiness.
How did the families describe the impact of this trip on their daily challenges and struggles?
Families often noted that the trip offered a healing respite from their daily routines, providing them not only with enjoyment but a renewed perspective and strength to face their ongoing challenges with more resilience.
In what way did the “Wish Trip” help strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories?
Sharing joyful experiences in such an uplifting setting naturally brought families closer together. Moments spent laughing, playing, and even relaxing in each other’s company helped create lasting bonds and memories that will continue to fortify these families long after the trip.
How does Make-A-Wish Canada plan to build on the success of this inaugural trip for future initiatives?
We are looking to leverage this experience to expand our reach and impact. By learning from this trip, we’ll work towards creating more opportunities that offer healing and happiness to even more families across Canada.
Can you share any heartwarming stories or moments from the trip that stuck with you?
One moment that stands out was watching a child, gleefully fascinated by meeting a beloved character, rush back to their parents to share the excitement. It was a beautiful reminder of the joy and innocence that we strive to preserve and nurture.
How do you envision the “Wish Trip” impacting families emotionally and mentally in the long run?
Long-term, our hope is that these experiences serve as a source of strength and comfort. By offering families a pause from their challenges, we help them create a treasure trove of happy memories that can remind them of good times and inspire hope.
What message would you like to convey to families facing similar challenges, based on the experiences from this trip?
I want to assure families that they are not alone on their journey. There are people and communities out there committed to providing support, joyful experiences, and a respite that can rekindle hope and strengthen family ties.
How can people get involved in supporting Make-A-Wish Canada and initiatives like the “Wish Trip”?
People can get involved by volunteering, donating, or advocating for our mission. Every effort helps us create more opportunities to bring hope and happiness to families who need it most, making a tangible difference in their lives.
How do you believe initiatives like the “Wish Trip” redefine the support given to families with critically ill children?
Initiatives like the “Wish Trip” highlight the importance of holistic support that goes beyond immediate medical needs—focusing on the emotional and mental well-being of both children and their families, which is crucial for their overall resilience and happiness.
What role did volunteers and staff play in ensuring the success of this event?
Volunteers and staff were instrumental, their dedication and compassion made this trip possible. From organizing activities to ensuring every need was met, their efforts created a seamless experience for all participants.
How does Make-A-Wish ensure that the experience was inclusive and enjoyable for all participants?
We make a proactive effort to understand and accommodate the needs of each family, ensuring everyone feels welcome and included. By tailoring activities and providing support, we aim to create an environment where every participant can fully enjoy the experience.
Looking ahead, what are the goals for the next “Wish Trip” and beyond?
Our goal is to continue expanding these trips to include more families, enhancing their experiences with new activities and locations. We aim to establish a lasting tradition of providing these meaningful getaways to strengthen and support even more families.
