Final touches are being added to the inaugural Make-A-Wish Family Run/Walk taking place Sunday, Aug. 31, in conjunction with the Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo.
Organizer Candice Lee, who has raised funds for the Wish program in the past, says she has set a goal to raise at least $10,000 for good reason.
“Most of the wishes grant cost around $10,000,” Lee explained. “My goal has been to grant at least one wish for a sick child that’s waiting. Right now, there are close to 200 children in southern Alberta waiting for their wishes.”
Participants can complete either a one- or five-kilometre route that starts and finishes at the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds, with the course running west along the Glenbow trail system. Lee says the morning has been carefully planned to make it fun and family-friendly.
Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., followed by a group warm-up at 8:30 a.m. led by fitness instructors. Before the race begins, a parent whose child received a wish will share their experience. The five-kilometre run and walk will start at 8:45 a.m., followed 10 minutes later by the one-kilometre family walk. The event is expected to wrap up by 10:30 a.m., just before the gates open for that day's rodeo program.
All registration proceeds go directly to Make-A-Wish Southern Alberta through the Race Roster platform. Lee has set a deadline of Aug. 30 to sign up, but says the sooner participants register, the better.
“I know this community is amazing and loves supporting a great cause,” she said. “We’re just really looking for sign-ups right now, and I want to thank everyone who has helped so far. It’s going to be a really fun morning.”
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The Cochrane Lions Rodeo has partnered with the fundraiser by dedicating its Sunday program to Make-A-Wish. Donations can be made through a QR code displayed at the rodeo, and alumni families who have previously received wishes are invited to attend the rodeo that day for free.
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.
Amanda Horricks, development manager for Make-A-Wish Canada, says it will be an amazing event.
“We are so honoured to have the support of Candice, the Lions Club, and Cochrane,” she said. “Cheers to granting life-changing wishes to incredible kids in the community!”
The link for the Race Roster Sign-up is: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/104585/just-run-mom-charity-run-hosted-by-the-cochrane-lions
People who can't make it that morning but still want to help can donate here: https://makeawishca.donordrive.com/participants/Candice-Lee