'Graham Wish Builders' Makes Wishes Come True
Four-year-old Vanessa, a liver transplant survivor with a rare disease known as Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC), will soon have her dream come true – all because of the determined employees at Graham's Saskatoon office.
"We wholeheartedly accepted this challenge to raise money for Vanessa and her family to take a holiday and enjoy some time outside of hospitals and clinics," says Priscilla Olynek, Office Manager, Saskatoon, of Graham's partnership with the Children's Wish Foundation this past summer. "Our employees threw themselves into this goal because we all want to see Vanessa's wish come true."
After three months of hard work and dedication, the final tally was an impressive one. In total, employees raised over $21,000 by participating in various fundraising events including a Survivor-like competition, sponsored by the Children's Wish Foundation. As part of their first competition challenge, the team, dubbed Graham Wish Builders, created and produced a video for YouTube. The winner was determined by the company who received the most people to view their clip.
Employees also held 50/50 draws, pizza lunches, various BBQs and a hockey playoff pool. Local clients, suppliers and vendors also stepped up, contributing funds and their support.
"Throughout this campaign, it was evident that Vanessa's story had touched not only our lives, but those close to Graham as well," says Olynek. "Our clients, suppliers and vendors were more than willing to contribute both financially and with materials required for our various fundraising activities."
Today, Vanessa's parents are waiting for her to a get a little older before they take the holiday their daughter has long wished for. They want Vanessa to be able to understand and appreciate the gift from Graham's Saskatoon-based employees.
"We've been informed that the family is extremely thankful for our contribution," says Olynek. "I know I speak for all of us when I say, everything we did was well worth the effort."
