Star Metro - 2025 Valsef Dream Big Foundation Gala Raises $786,932 for Make-A-Wish | Rêves d’enfants Canada

Hosted by Vinny Barruco, morning show host on Virgin Radio Montreal, the event brought together community leaders, philanthropists, shareholders and partners for a night of celebration with a shared mission: to make wishes come true for children living with critical illnesses.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came during a live wish reveal. Guests had the privilege of witnessing Jodi, a 9-year-old from Quebec living with congenital heart disease, discover that her wish to visit her favourite theme park with her family is coming true. The room filled with joy and applause as Jodi's wish became a reality before everyone's eyes, perfectly embodying the night's spirit of hope and compassion.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of guests, sponsors, and Valsef Dream Big Foundation's matching contributions, the gala raised a record $786,932 to help grant transformative wishes to children across Quebec.

"Wishes are at the heart of what we do," said Veronnik Marcil, General Manager of the Valsef Dream Big Foundation. "The power of a wish aligns perfectly with our purpose of giving back to the community through health, education, and sports. Every wish brings strength, joy, and renewed hope to a child and their family so they can dream big. This is exactly the kind of meaningful impact we strive to create through the Valsef Dream Big Foundation."

"We are so grateful to the Valsef team for their extraordinary partnership and generosity," said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer, Make-A-Wish | Rêves d'enfants Canada. "The funds raised through this gala will help us grant an astounding 78 life-changing wishes to children in Quebec - each one bringing strength, hope, and healing to children with critical illnesses, their families, and their communities. Together, we're moving closer to a future where every eligible child experiences the transformational power of a wish."

"In 2025, Make-A-Wish | Rêves d'enfants Canada granted an incredible 449 wishes across 201 communities in Quebec - representing nearly a quarter of all wishes granted nationwide last year," said Alexis Gaiptman, Vice President of Eastern Canada, Make-A-Wish | Rêves d'enfants Canada. "Funds raised through initiatives like the Valsef Dream Big Foundation Gala make it possible for us to continue supporting local wish families in need. It's a wonderful example of giving back, making a meaningful impact close to home, and showing that when children are given the chance to dream big, it can inspire hope, build resilience, and contribute to their healing."

Research has shown that granting a wish can lead to significant health benefits. Children who receive a wish are 2.5 times less likely to have an unplanned hospital visit and 1.9 times less likely to use the emergency department. Wishes improve adherence to treatment, reduce stress, and strengthen families through some of their most difficult moments.

Now in its fourth year, the Valsef Dream Big Foundation Gala continues to champion its four pillars: Community, Health, Education, and Sports. In the 2024-2025 year alone, more than $1.12 million in donations were distributed to support causes that bring hope and meaningful change.

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Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: TD Bank

Gold Sponsors: BMO, Deloitte, Flairstech

Silver Sponsors: Banque Nationale, Blakes, Canaccord Genuity Capital Markets, Construkt, TD, Stifel

Bronze Sponsors: Coatue, Converium Capital, Dana Antoon, Jefferies, Propelr Growth, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, Valpay

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The Valsef Dream Big Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to every attendee, donor, and partner who contributed to this remarkable milestone.

Media Contact:

Thierry Tardif
Head of Marketing & Communications, Valsoft Corporation
514-799-6679
[email protected]

Veronnik Marcil
General Manager, Valsef Dream Big Foundation
[email protected]

SOURCE: Valsef Dream Big Foundation

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

K.Evans--SMC