On Sept. 25, 2025, the Southern Alberta Chapter of Make-A-Wish^® Canada will hold its third annual Pull for Wishes event in Calgary.

Sponsored by Alberta’s oilfield services sector, Pull for Wishes provides an opportunity for the sector to help grant life-changing wishes to critically ill southern Alberta children.

The Pull for Wishes event is comprised of five to 10 teams, with 16 people on each team, that compete to see who will be the fastest to pull a frac pump down a designated track and raise the most funds. Teams must raise at least $10,000 to secure a spot in the competition. Currently, there are four trucks registered to pull.

Simona Lupas, Chapter Director, Make-A-Wish^® Canada, Southern Alberta, says, “Since its launch in 2023, Pull for Wishes has had an immeasurable impact on wish kids across southern Alberta. The unity, purpose and strength brought by these oilfield services companies has created a unique opportunity where competitors, colleagues and communities align with a shared goal.”

This year’s truck sponsors are STEP Energy Services, Trican Well Service, Liberty Energy and Halliburton.

STEP Energy Services, which has participated as a sponsor and as a team since the first Pull for Wishes event, provides oilfield services to its North American clients. Steve Glanville, President & CEO, says, “Even though we’re competing against our peers pulling our incredibly heavy oilfield equipment across the McMahon parking lot, we’re also working together to help grant life-changing wishes to critically ill children who are facing some of the toughest challenges. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can do when we put competition aside and pull in the same direction.”

Trican Well Service is the largest pressure pumping service company in Western Canada. Amanda McQuarrie, Marketing and Communications Manager, says, “We pride ourselves on fostering a positive and collaborative team atmosphere and Pull for Wishes allows us to bring that from the workplace to the pull rope. It’s such a unique event as it brings together industry competitors to raise funds for very deserving kids to receive their wish.”

Liberty Energy provides advanced technology and completion services for its customers across North America and Australia. Ron Gusek, CEO, says, "Community is at the heart of everything we do. Participating in the Pull for Wishes event is meaningful to our entire team and an event we look forward to every year. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping make a child’s wish come true and bringing hope to families when they need it most."

Halliburton is North America’s largest full-service oil and gas services company. John Gorman, Vice President, Canada and Alaska, says, “Halliburton is honoured to take part in our first Pull for Wishes event to support a meaningful cause that makes a real positive impact. This initiative unites the oil and gas industry with the communities in which we work and live, as they cheer on service companies competing with heart and purpose.”

The previous two Pull for Wishes raised a total of $350,000. These funds allowed the Southern Alberta chapter to grant over 230 wishes to southern Alberta children. This year’s event aims to raise $190,000. If this goal is reached, 19 children will have their wishes granted.

Wishes are broken up into five categories: I wish to have, I wish to be, I wish to meet, I wish to give, I wish to go. Whether it’s a trip as a family, an epic gaming set-up or a wish to meet their favourite celebrity, a wish is as unique as the child that wishes them.

“A wish is so much more than a moment of joy — it’s a powerful turning point for children facing critical illnesses and their families. In the midst of hospital visits, treatments and uncertainty, a wish provides a rare opportunity for a family to feel hope, togetherness and a sense of normalcy,” says Lupas.

“For parents, it’s a chance to see their children simply be a child, smiling and dreaming. For siblings, it’s a moment to all be together and a reminder that magic still exists. And for the wish child, it’s a life-affirming experience that can bring renewed strength and resilience for the journey ahead.”

At the Pull for Wishes event, there will be a big “wish” reveal that will be a surprise for the child and their family. This wish will inspire hope and joy for the child and their family and bring much excitement to the event’s sponsors and participants.

Last year’s wish reveal was for Sloane Masikewich. At five-years-old, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. After months of extensive medical treatment, Sloane was declared in remission in October 2024. Last fall, at seven-years-old, Sloane’s wish was granted and she and her family spent a week in Florida where they visited an animal-themed park and rode a big roller coaster. Sloane’s mother reports that it was a week of pure bliss, where they got to spend time together as a family and celebrate life.

This year’s Pull for Wishes event hopes to recreate that hope and joy for this year’s wish child so they too can experience their biggest wish!

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: McMahon Stadium, East Parking Lot at 1817 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary
Refreshments: After the event, a BBQ lunch will be provided for all participants.