ShopRite of Clark To Raise Funds for Make-A-Wish

ShopRites in Spotswood, Clark and Oakland, New Jersey, have announced the return of their annual fundraising campaign to benefit Make-A-Wish New Jersey, which will kick off on Saturday, April 16th and run for two weeks through Saturday, April 30th to help fulfill the charity organization’s mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

For the duration of the campaign, loyal ShopRite customers at participating locations will be invited to make an additional gift on their bill at checkout, which will be donated directly to their local Make-A-Wish chapter. The funds raised will support the organization continue towards its vision of reaching every eligible child. Since its inception in 1983, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted more than 11,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses throughout the Garden State.

In addition to the three participating ShopRite stores in New Jersey, other select locations in neighboring states will support their local Make-A-Wish chapters at Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley, Make-A-Wish Northeast New York, and Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania & West Virginia.

“We are excited and grateful to be partnered once again with our friends at ShopRite for this year’s campaign,” shared Michael Dominick, Assistant Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Alliances for Make-A-Wish New Jersey. “We are inspired by ShopRite’s continuous fundraising efforts, the generous donations made by their loyal customers, and their dedication and passion for our mission. Their support will have a direct impact on wish children and families right here in their local communities, restoring hope when it is needed most.”

The campaign takes place during the later half of the month of April, a time of historical significance for Make-A-Wish. April 29th of this year marks the 42nd anniversary of the day that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish and has become known as World Wish Day.

In April 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, seven-year-old Chris Greicius, who was battling leukemia, wanted to be a police officer. Members of law enforcement, including U.S. Customs agents and the Department of Public Safety, came together to create a life-changing experience for him. From a full police uniform, to tours in a squad car and even a ride in a helicopter, Chris’ experience provided him an unmatched level of joy his mother had not seen in him in a long time.

Those involved in Chris’ special day - including his mother Linda Pauling - were determined they could provide the same level of hope, strength and joy for more kids like Chris facing a life-threatening diagnosis. It was decided that they would create an unparalleled type of charity known as Make-A-Wish, to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Globally, since April 1980, Make-A-Wish has created life-changing wishes for over 500,000 children battling critical illnesses around the world, serving nearly 50 countries on five continents.

To support Make-A-Wish New Jersey during the ShopRite Campaign, visit Shoprite of Spotswood, ShopRite of Clark or ShopRite of Oakland between April 16th and April 30th.

For more information on Make-A-Wish New Jersey, visit nj.wish.org.