Teams from four Calgary energy companies competed in the second annual Pull for Wishes fundraiser on September 22, 2024, raising more than $140,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada. Participants pulled a heavy vehicle in a timed challenge while children and families affected by critical illness were honoured at the event.
The total represented several potential wishes
Simona Lupas, director of the charity’s southern Alberta chapter, said the symbolic average cost of a wish was about $10,000. On that estimate, the event’s proceeds could support roughly 14 or 15 wishes.
Actual costs and arrangements vary by child, so the calculation was an illustration rather than an allocation for named cases.
Sloane Masikewich received her wish
Sloane, who was about to turn seven, had been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in May 2023. Organizers revealed a family trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom as an early birthday surprise.
Her medical information came from her family and should be reported with their consent and without speculation about prognosis.
A wish is not limited to end-of-life care
Sloane’s mother, Claire Masikewich, challenged the misconception that a granted wish is necessarily a final experience. Make-A-Wish serves eligible children with critical illnesses, including many who continue treatment or recover.
The programme is intended to provide anticipation, choice and lasting family memories during an exhausting period.
The family also began its own charity
Claire said the Strong Like Sloane foundation received Alberta charitable status in August 2024 after the family raised money for pediatric-cancer research. The initiative reflected their desire to assist other families while Sloane continued her care.
Donors should still consult current registration and financial information before contributing to any organization.
Southern Alberta had granted many wishes
Make-A-Wish reported granting more than 130 wishes in southern Alberta during 2024 by the time of the fundraiser. Each wish requires coordination with families, medical teams, volunteers and vendors.
Fundraising totals do not capture donated travel, accommodation or professional time that can also support delivery.
Corporate competition created a public event
The vehicle pull gave company teams a visible, cooperative challenge and allowed sponsors to engage employees. The format can attract attention that a conventional donation appeal may not generate.
Charitable impact, however, should be assessed through transparent use of funds and family outcomes, not publicity alone.
Privacy and dignity remain essential
Children’s stories can motivate donors, but organizations and media must avoid reducing a child to a diagnosis. Families should control what is disclosed, participation should be voluntary, and images should not outlive informed consent without review.
Celebration can coexist with honest recognition of treatment burdens.
The fundraiser linked enjoyment with sustained support
The $140,000 result was significant because it converted a one-day spectacle into resources for multiple families. It also showed how local businesses could pool teams rather than compete only for brand visibility.
The most meaningful measure would come after the event: how many eligible children received safe, well-planned experiences and whether families felt supported throughout the process. Pull for Wishes provided the funds and public attention; responsible administration would turn those contributions into moments chosen by children facing circumstances they did not choose.
