By Sheldon Spackman

Rope for Hope Red Deer to help grant wishes for critically ill kids

Jul 5, 2018 | 10:42 AM

An event that aims to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions returns to Red Deer this month.

The second annual Rope for Hope Red Deer takes place July 21 and has participants raise at least $1,500 each for the once-in-a-lifetime chance of rappelling down one of the city’s most iconic buildings – Stantec Executive Place, standing 12 stories high over downtown Red Deer.

Jen Garden, Development and Events Coordinator for Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta says the fundraiser which takes place annually in several cities across Canada not only to grants wishes to children with critical illnesses but also give affected families a reprieve from hospital visits.

“It gives those children a break from needle pokes and treatments, something to look forward to,” she explains. “It’s part of their journey on getting better, it’s a chance for siblings to play with each other outside of their hospital room.”

Garden says there are 36 people registered for the Red Deer event so far with more encouraged to join in as well.

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“Our top fundraiser in northern Alberta is actually in Red Deer and you’ve probably heard about him, his name is Joe Hittel,” Garden says. “We’re just inputting some of his donations but he’s raised over $11,000 so far.”

She says this year’s fundraising goal is $73,400 with $31,660 or 43 per cent of it raised so far, all of which stays in Red Deer and other communities throughout northern Alberta.

“A lot of people who say that they’ve done it say it was an amazing experience,” Garden exclaims. “A lot of people are kind of like, ‘I’ve done it once, I’m great’ but we do have a lot of repeat rappellers which is awesome because they typically then make a team and get other people involved and that means more funds are being raised.”

“A lot of people who have that experience really enjoy the interaction with Wish families at the bottom,” adds Garden. “They get to see the tangible impact of the funds that they’re raising and the types of children that they’re granting wishes for.”

She says there are many ways you can help, including by volunteering, donating or registering at www.ropeforhope.ca.

“If they think they can meet that $1,500 minimum, we’re happy to have them and give them the thrill of a lifetime so that a child can get theirs,” states Garden. “We’re also happy to have anyone come out and watch and cheer on these people who are being incredibly brave.

She points out their events across northern Alberta over the past five years have raised almost $700,000 to date.

“We’re so incredibly fortunate and we’re so incredibly grateful to participants and participant’s donors who are making these things possible for children in our community.”