The Cochrane Lions have teamed up with Candice Lee, of Make-A-Wish Canada's Women for Wishes initiative, to turn Sunday, Aug. 31 into Make-A-Wish Day at the Labour Day Weekend Rodeo.
Their mission?
Raise enough funds in one day to grant a life-changing wish for a child through Make-A-Wish Canada.
Lee is kicking things off with a Just Run Mom fun run and walk that morning, starting and finishing at the rodeo grounds.
“We want the distance to be achievable for people, so we have a 1K walk/run for kids and families, and then we have a 5K run/walk,” she said.
Participants are encouraged to dress up—ideally with a Disney theme.
“In Canada, 90 per cent of wishes that come in are for a magical trip to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth,’ so the theme of our event is inspired by the characters that bring joy to life in the parks,” said Lee. “That means dressing up is encouraged!”
Registration opens at 7 a.m., with the run starting at 8 a.m.
“Then everyone will have breakfast, and we'll wrap up before 11 a.m. for our portion of the day. The rodeo grounds open at 11 a.m.”
The initiative will continue to be promoted throughout that day’s rodeo events.
Lions Club president Chris Connon said it took no time at all for the club to get behind the cause and is encouraging community-wide support.
“The rodeo has supported several charities over the years, and we try to theme our days. With everything coming together, we made the Sunday Make-A-Wish Day this year,” he said.
Lee noted that all contributions made in advance and on the day of the event will be processed through her fundraising portal on the Make-A-Wish Canada site under Candice Lee/Just Run Mom.
“All the money raised within southern Alberta stays here,” she said. “Alberta has the highest number of requests because of the Alberta Children’s Hospital. But at the same time, it's really sad that we have so many kids waiting for wishes to be granted.”
She expressed gratitude for the support of the Cochrane Lions.
“It pulls so much weight and just shows how supportive our Lions Club is here. I can't thank them enough for that,” she said. “This is also going to open up our community to new members who are going to come to see what Cochrane does and what Cochrane supports, which is really special.”
To learn more and register for the charity event, click here.
Those wishing to make a direct donation to support Candice's campaign can do so at this Make-A-Wish link.