Sign up for our free daily newsletter!
Make-A-Wish NAB Manager, Community Partnerships, Kathryn McLean (left), The Everything Red Deer Podcast Host Josh Hall (centre), and Make-A-Wish NAB Development Officer, Laurie Gawlicki (right).
wishes are medicine

Podcast: Make-A-Wish offers inside look

Jun 26, 2026 | 7:01 AM

Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta was slated to hold the annual Heroes Challenge this September in Red Deer.

Unfortunately, it had to be cancelled due to unforeseen and uncontrollable weather-caused issues at the venue.

While officials are searching for the best path forward for fundraisers and events in central Alberta, rdnewsNOW — a proud partner of Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta — caught up with two of the organization’s finest folks about some recent Wish stories, and how you can help in the meantime.

They shared, among other things, that there is a waitlist of about 30-40 children in central Alberta alone. In 2025, the Northern Alberta branch granted 148 wishes.

Listen to the entire conversation in Episode 76 (June 26, 2026) of The Everything Red Deer Podcast — available wherever you get your podcasts.

Additionally, Kraay Family Farm has transformed its annual corn maze into a Make-A-Wish attraction, and will raise funds for the organization this summer.

“As part of this partnership, Kraay Family Farm will donate a portion of all farm sales throughout the season, as well as 100 per cent of pumpkin sales, to Make-A-Wish,” says Rachel Kraay, owner/operator.

“Our hope is that together with our guests, we can help make a few extra wishes come true this year and bring more hope, joy, and unforgettable experiences to children and families across Alberta.”

2026 corn maze at Kraay Family Farm in Lacombe County.
2026 corn maze at Kraay Family Farm in Lacombe County. (Image Credit: Supplied)

If you have an idea for the next Make-A-Wish event/fundraiser in Red Deer or central Alberta, contact Kathryn McLean by emailing kathryn.mclean@makeawish.ca.

And to learn about some events outside the Red Deer area, visit makeawish.ca.

READ MORE: