CTV News presents '5 Days of Christmas'. Each day this week we help grant a wish for an underprivileged child.
The holidays can be a tough time for children attending Vancouver's most underprivileged schools. Many families can't afford Christmas presents.
"There is an urgent need for something special to happen to these kids over the holidays," said CTV British Columbia editor Darian Noel.
Many underfunded schools throughout Metro Vancouver to the surrounding suburbs are also struggling for basic supplies.
"One little boy just wanted new pencil crayons because his school couldn't afford to supply them," she said.
This year, five special wishes were picked from over 100 sent in by kids from schools in need.
Noel and CTV News reporter Brent Gilbert were inspired by many of the selfless Christmas wishes they received.
"This little girl's simple wish was to get her friend a stuffed dolphin. Then we found out her friend was a 78-year-old woman who was going through cancer," Noel said.
Gilbert said they immediately thought of the Vancouver Aquarium and arranged a dolphin encounter for the girl and her friend.
In order to grant the wishes, many businesses from the community jumped on board to sponsor the initiative.
"At Sir Guy Carleton, SportChek donated thousands of dollars worth of brand new sporting equipment and all the kids got a present as well," Gilbert said.
For many of the kids, this is the only Christmas present they receive.
"It's such a great experience to see what can happen from this innocent little wish and to see it come true in such a big way," Noel said. "Everyone in the class benefits from a selfless wish. It's wonderful to be a part of."
The Five Days of Christmas begins Monday on CTV News at Six.
"You see that total thrill and excitement. The kids are shocked and honoured that their wish was chosen," Noel Said. "They're so excited that it's coming true."
