Prince Albert raises over $100K for Make-A-Wish Canada

Thursday’s event, which featured both a live and silent auction, raised over $130,000, which means 13 wishes will be granted. In Saskatchewan, there are 141 wishes on a waiting list.

Also in attendance was the Bighead family from Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation. During a special presentation, Michael, 15, was informed by Russ Clunie and Gord Broda that he and his parents will be going to New York City. Heather Bighead said the gesture was very heartwarming.

“Just seeing how happy it’s making my son means the world to me,” she said.

Michael’s father, Charles, admitted he had no idea what to expect after receiving the invitation.

“It was quite an eye-opener to see how much passion there is throughout the whole Prince Albert area,” he said. “It’s simply moving.”

The room was packed for Thursday’s fundraiser.

Dr. Heather Hodgson-Viden, Make-A-Wish Canada’s Medical Advisory Committee Chair, works in the pediatrics department at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon and, during one of the panel discussions, was asked why she believes wishes are medicine for children facing critical illness.

“We know their impact, and we’ve seen the impact, and it brings joy and hope,” she replied.

Hodgson-Viden recalled how a trip to Disneyland improved the quality of life for a special eight-year-old boy named Lucas.

“We were all aware that we weren’t gonna be able to cure him, and we were all aware that he had a very short life. But our focus changed. Our focus was on ensuring that he had a wonderful quality of life with his family and his community,” she said.

Hobson-Viden and Russ Clunie.

Six weeks after he returned home, Lucas passed away and while it was years ago, Hodgson-Viden said she and the staff at the hospital still talk about the young child with an old soul.

“I think when we talk about the wish, we talk about the child and the family and the community, but we also have to remember that it extends beyond life. For Lucas, his wish really did extend beyond death. And I think that’s really, really important.”

Stacie Lawson, Make-A-Wish Canada’s manager of community partnerships for Saskatchewan, was overwhelmed by the community support.

“I have goosebumps. The way that Prince Albert pulls together as a community for something they believe in — it’s the best feeling. It’s so heartwarming.”

Lawson confirmed that since their last event in 2025, they were able to grant nine wishes. Lawson also expressed her thanks to the Broda Group and all the sponsors and community members who came out to support the cause.

“We wouldn’t exist without them,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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by Nigel Maxwell

Prince Albert raises over $100K for Make-A-Wish Canada

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