In 2016, the Hope Run hit the Edmonton running scene with
a 5km walk/run and 15km run with all proceeds going to
Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta to help grant the wishes of
children with life-threatening medical conditions. Stemming
from the inspiration of a group of twenty-somethings in Ed-
monton, the inaugural year raised over $40,000 and had 276
runners come out to the event. As a result, four wishes were
granted for children in the Make-A-Wish program, with the
goal of 2017 being to grant even more!
“The main inspiration behind the event is about doing
something to help out kids who got a dealt a pretty unlucky
hand in life. My sister Kelly and I started talking about do-
ing something philanthropic and then we spoke with friends
and everyone was really enthused and wanted to help out
and it evolved really quickly from there” said Stephen
Scragg, member of the organizing committee.
The great thing about partnering up with Make-A-Wish is
that you are able to see exactly where the money goes. It
was amazing to have four different wish kids and see their
wishes come to fruition as a result of the run. A 4-year old
was able to have her wish granted to meet princess Ariel, a
10-year old and his entire family got a trip to Disney world,
an 18-year old got to go on a shopping spree and a 9-year
old went to Hawaii with his family.
To be able to see the stories and wishes come to life is what
motivates the Hope Run committee to make this year even
more successful! “We definitely want to improve from last
year and increase our proceeds. Our goal is 500 runners,
which is a bit of a jump, but the motto of the committee has
always been “shooters shoot,” so we’re going to aim high
and try our best to get there” says Stephen.There are a lot of amazing runs in Edmonton during the
summer, so a big focus for the Hope Run is proving an ex-
perience you can’t get at other runs, which includes giving
out some awesome apparel. In 2016 all runners got custom
Hope Run apparel including shirts, buffs, socks and more!
2017 will not disappoint with custom socks and buffs cur-
rently being designed and developed by committee mem-
ber, Joel Eden, for all runners this year. Keep an eye out for
the unique apparel along with the Hope Run’s infamous
mascot, Hope Man, which can be spotted around town and
at many runs in the Edmonton area!Keep your eyes peeled for fitness classes that are by do-
nation only, Dani Parks plans on hosting a yoga class at
Hive Fit Co. She joined the committee this year, inspired
by fitness and passion for helping others. If you are part
of a fitness company and would like to help out message
[email protected]The group is very excited to once again support Make-A-
Wish Nothern Alberta. The event takes place September
2nd in Rundle Park. You can follow the group on Instagram
and twitter (@mawhoperun) to see what Hope Man and the
committee are up to this summer and for more information!To sign up for the Hope Run on September 2nd visit http://www.
hoperun.ca. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Northern
Alberta, and the committee guarantees you won’t regret
coming out!The Hope Run Is Back
PHOTO BY JIN MEDIA INC