For children living with critical illnesses, a wish is far more than a joyful moment – Wishes Are Medicine. A wish is a turning point in a sick child’s treatment journey – a spark of hope that families cling to when life feels overwhelmingly uncertain. At Make-A-Wish® Canada, these moments are made possible through community generosity at every level. A major gift, is a transformational contribution, allowing Make-A-Wish to reach more children, plan boldly, and ensure that wishes are never delayed due to funding.
This year, we are proud to celebrate an extraordinary example of that impact: The Doncaster Foundation’s pledge of $500,000 over five years, inspired by their long-standing connection to Make-A-Wish and Dave Lacey’s (CEO, Citation Canada) passion for Wheels 4 Wishes, an event he co-founded alongside Jeff Pabst.
“Transformational partnerships like this are a gamechanger.” – Meaghan Stovel McKnight, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada.
Make-A-Wish Canada CEO Meaghan Stovel McKnight says multi-year contributions have a uniquely powerful effect on the mission:
“A gift of this magnitude helps bring more than fifty life-changing wishes to children across Canada. It gives us the confidence and capacity to move faster, think bigger, and say ‘yes’ when it matters most. We are sincerely grateful to John and Dave Lacey and The Doncaster Foundation for their extraordinary belief in the healing power of a wish.”
These investments don’t simply fund wishes, they unlock long-term impact. They help expand programming, shorten wait times, and ensure that more children can experience hope right when they need it most. Further, research shows that prescribed wishes can improve adherence to treatment, reduce emergency room visits, and deliver lasting health benefits.
“Every wish begins with a spark of hope,” Meaghan adds, “Transformational partnerships like these help turn that spark into lasting strength for children and families.”
Wheels 4 Wishes: Where Passion Meets Purpose
For 35 years, Wheels 4 Wishes has united car lovers, collectors, luxury enthusiasts, and philanthropists around a shared mission: granting life-changing wishes. What began as a passion project has grown into a marquee fundraising event for Make-A-Wish Canada, thanks to the vision and dedication of its co‑founders, Dave Lacey and Jeff Pabst. Their leadership shaped the event that ultimately inspired this monumental gift from the Doncaster Foundation.
Wheels for Wishes isn’t just about cars; it’s about the racing community. Engines rev, crowds gather and wish kids take center stage, reminding every attendee exactly why they’re there.
Wish kid Ryan, described Wheels 4 Wishes as:
“It was an unforgettable experience. Sitting in sports cars and getting out on the track at any age or ability is something I’ll never forget. The drivers who donate their time, cars, and funds bring so many smiles to kids’ faces and help them forget what they’re going through, it’s truly incredible. As a wish alumni, being invited back reminds me of the power of a wish and the amazing work Make‑A‑Wish Canada does to bring joy to kids facing health challenges.” — Ryan, age 17, wish kid
Moments like Ryan’s are made possible because supporters step up with passion, generosity, and heart.
The event continues to deeply resonate with long-time supporters like the Lacey family. “Wheels 4 Wishes isn’t just about the cars,” shared John Lacey. “It’s about watching a child smile again, seeing hope return. That’s what inspired us to be involved.”
Honouring The Doncaster Foundation
The Doncaster Foundation and Lacey family have been part of the Make-A-Wish family for more than three decades. Their philanthropic legacy and leadership spans generations, and their newest pledge continues that tradition of unwavering support.
Inspired by Wheels 4 Wishes and driven by a commitment to community, their $500,000 pledge represents hope, continuity, and belief that Wishes Are Medicine.
From all of us at Make-A-Wish Canada:
Thank you to the Doncaster Foundation, for your extraordinary generosity, your long-standing partnership and leadership, and your trust in our mission. You are helping change the lives of countless children and we are deeply grateful.
Reflecting on the Foundation’s decades of support, Dave Lacey noted, “Giving back is something our family believes in deeply. When we saw the joy that Wheels 4 Wishes brings to kids, we knew we wanted to do more.”
An Invitation to Those Who Want to Drive Change
Wheels 4 Wishes has become a powerful entry point for partners who want to make a meaningful difference, a day spent on track at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park with wish families is a day well spent.
If you are inspired by the Doncaster Foundation’s leadership and our mission, to grant life changing wishes for children with critical illness, we invite you to join us.
Whether through a major gift, event sponsorship, or participation in Wheels 4 Wishes, your involvement brings us closer to granting every eligible child their most heartfelt wish.
Learn more or get involved at makeawish.ca/wheels4wishes2026.
The next Wheels 4 Wishes takes place April 26, 2026 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on the Driver Development Track. It will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine.
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