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The 17th Annual Make-A-Wish® Canada 48-HOUR RIDE  Aims to Raise $4M for Children with Critical Illnesses  

July 10, 2025

Montreal, July 10, 2025 – The 48-HOUR RIDE, a charity cycling challenge hosted  by Make-A-Wish® Canada, is kicking off its fundraising campaign for the 17th  annual event, to be held from September 19 to 21, 2025 at Mirabel Airport on the ICAR circuit. This iconic Montreal event invites thousands of participants, corporate partners, and supporters to help grant wishes for children facing critical  illnesses—one pedal stroke at a time.

Each year, the 48-HOUR RIDE brings together teams of up to six riders who take  turns cycling non-stop for two days. Their collective participation supports the Organization’s mission, in a friendly, fun atmosphere accessible to participants of  all levels; both amateur and professional. In 2024, more than 3,000 riders formed  500 teams and helped raise over $3.5M.

The 2025 edition promises to be more vibrant than ever, with an expected 9,000  visitors on-site. In addition to the cycling challenge, the large venue will host a welcome cocktail for donors, musical performances, meet-and-greets with wish  kids and inspiring testimonials from their families, a family party, and, the highlight  of the weekend, an exclusive wish reveal.

“For nearly 20 years, each stroke of the pedal at the 48-HOUR RIDE has embodied my commitment to bringing hope to sick children. Join us by rallying  your teams to cycle for wishes. Together, we can put a smile on another child’s  face with each lap completed” said Pierre Thériault, Founder of the 48-HOUR  RIDE, Make-A-Wish Canada.

Fundraising Target: $4M to Grant Wishes for Children with Critical Illnesses

This year, organizers of the 48-HOUR RIDE have set an ambitious new fundraising  goal of $4 million in support of Make-A-Wish Canada’s mission to grant life- changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. A wish plays a vital role in a child’s treatment by boosting physical, mental and emotional well-being. Critical  illness robs families of precious moments, replacing childhood joy, wonder and  hope with fear, loneliness and anxiety. The diagnosis is only the beginning of a painful journey that affects everyone in the family.

Currently, more than 3,700 children facing critical illness in Canada are still waiting for their wish to come true. Make-A-Wish Canada continues to broaden  its reach to grant even more wishes and pursue its mission.

“Participating in the 48-HOUR RIDE is more than philanthropy: it’s a concrete act  to bring strength and light to children battling illness. I’m honoured to support this  event that gives profound meaning to collective engagement,” said Katie Bessette,  HR Lead Canada & Regional HRBP – Electrification at ABB Canada, and Honorary  Chair of the 2025 edition.

Five Ways to Support The 2025 48-HOUR RIDE Event:

  1. Register a team and solicit donations from your network.
  2. Donate to a participating team’s fundraising page.
  3. Purchase a sponsorship package for enhanced visibility on site.
  4. Volunteer at the event to support a team or assist with on-site activities.
  5. Make a direct online donation via our website.