Volunteer Spotlight: Matt H.

What ways are you involved as a volunteer?
I am a wish granter.

How did you first find Make-A-Wish?
I’ve always known about Make-A-Wish but I decided to become involved when a Chicago gaming group I know was talking about the work Make-A-Wish does. This got me thinking for the first time about volunteering with Make-A-Wish.

How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish Minnesota? 
I started volunteering in 2019.

What has been the most rewarding experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
The most rewarding experience was when we organized a birthday parade for a wish kid. The original idea was for her family and friends to drive by the house and honk. Somehow there ended up being hundreds of cars. I put on my clown costume and handed out balloons to decorate cars. The parade lasted for over an hour and was so much fun.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Have fun getting to know wish kids and don’t be surprised if they come up with a wish that is unusual or unexpected.

What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?
The wish kids and their families are always amazing but the local businesses that are willing to help are most inspiring to me. We organized a party for a wish completion and when I called a bakery for a cake they not only said yes immediately, but threw in two liters of soda and paper plates also. The pizza restaurant gave us a lot of pizzas without question and even offered to deliver the order. The willingness of people to come together to help wish kids is wonderful.