Make-A-Wish Foundation^® International Welcomes New Affiliates Pakistan and Turkey 
June 1, 2009, Lisbon, Portugal -- At the 2009 Make-A-Wish Foundation® International Wishleader Conference, which united organization leaders from around the world to strengthen the strategic direction of the organization, Make-A-Wish Pakistan and Make-A-Wish Turkey were officially welcomed as new affiliates of Make-A-Wish Foundation International.

The expansion into Pakistan and Turkey signifies a strategic initiative of the four-star charity’s plans for growth and brings the total number of Make-A-Wish affiliates to thirty-three.

Keith Goh, Chair of Make-A-Wish Foundation International acknowledges the importance of expanding the foundation’s global reach, “bringing the light of happiness and hope into the dark lives of children who are ill is something we must do for our world. We envisage a future where the Make-A-Wish Foundation becomes a truly global movement, reaching all corners of all continents.”

Make-A-Wish Pakistan adds to the base of Middle-Eastern affiliates, and is very excited to work toward granting their first wish. Ishtiaq Baig, founder of Make-A-Wish Pakistan, expresses his enthusiasm, “Make-A-Wish Pakistan is delighted to be a part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation International family. Now Pakistani children who are suffering from a life-threatening medical condition will have their wishes granted like other children of the world.”

Make-A-Wish Turkey has been operating as a wish-granting organization, under the name Bir Dilek Tut, since 2000. The organization has granted approximately 1,500 wishes over the past eight years and had been in the process of becoming a Make-A-Wish affiliate since 2005. Carole Hakko, President of Make-A-Wish Turkey, discusses the relationship, “striving towards the same goals and embracing a common mission is an invaluable part of who we are. We are able to learn from and support each other in many ways, but primarily, together, helping sick children from all over the world to make their dreams come true. Make-A-Wish Foundation International is a huge support in all aspects of running our organization efficiently and effectively, and all of us here at Bir Dilek Tut are delighted to finally be married to Make-A-Wish Foundation International!”

Regarding the addition of two new Make-A-Wish affiliates, Jon Stettner, CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation International, recognizes that “we are thrilled to share the universal mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in more countries than ever before. We could not accomplish our goals without the dedicated founders of Pakistan and Turkey who volunteer their time, talents, and treasure.”