“We’re fostering a spirit of sharing and giving though a cultural exchange, creating a meaningful and memorable Olympic experience for visitors and hosts, while addressing a top-of-mind issue in our city.”
–Tracey Axelsson, Volunteer Acting Project Manager with Home For The Games.
Children’s Wish picks Home For The Games to help fulfill a kid’s Olympic dream
February 3, 2010
VANCOUVER, BC – Children’s Wish Foundation has chosen Home For The Games to house a Montreal child and his family bound for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, providing a unique home stay experience while helping his wish come true.
Through homeforthegames.com, an Olympic accommodation website with a charitable twist, 2010 Winter Games visitors can stay in the homes of Vancouver citizens with proceeds going to charities tackling homelessness.
“Children’s Wish Foundation is proud to be associated with Home For The Games in helping us grant this child’s wish while also contributing to a very worthy cause,” said Paul St. Germain, director of communications with The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada.
The Children’s Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with high-risk illnesses. Ten-year old Samuel has lymphoblastic leukemia. Watching top athletes from around the world compete for gold is his most heartfelt wish. He and his family have tickets to several men’s hockey events.
“Samuel loves hockey. He’s incredibly excited about travelling to Vancouver and watching the Games and has been wearing his Team Canada jersey every day since Children’s Wish gave it to him,” said his mother, Manon. “Staying in a home will make our stay more comfortable.”
Finding comfortable and convenient accommodation for the family was imperative. They’ll stay in the home of Patricia Crawford and her husband.
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“Knowing we’re giving back to the community and helping fulfill the wish of a child facing a serious illness is very rewarding. We’re thrilled to be part of Samuel’s wish and want to make it an amazing experience for him and his family,” said Crawford.
The Rotary Club of Calgary Olympic, a service organization for business and community leaders, approached Home For The Games to find accommodations to make the wish come true and is providing the financial support to Children’s Wish to cover the stay.
“We’re delighted to help make a difference in a child’s life, while also supporting the fight against homelessness,” said Tamara McCarron, community service chair for Rotary Olympic.
Home For The Games is a non-profit web-based system that matches 2010 Winter Games visitors with Metro Vancouver hosts for short-term home stays, with half of the nightly fee directed to charitable organizations Streetohome Foundation and Covenant House Vancouver.
“We’re touched that Children’s Wish chose Home For The Games to help fulfill Samuel’s wish. It enhances our efforts to foster generosity and a cultural exchange, provide visitors with a positive and memorable Olympic experience and give back to those less fortunate,” said founder Charles Montgomery.
To book or list a room and learn more, visit www.homeforthegames.com
