Red Deer’s Joe Hittel has raised more than $140,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation and helped give 14 children experiences they will never forget.
But until Tuesday, he had only gotten the chance to meet two of those who benefited from his fundraising heroics, which involved rappelling down the sides of high-rises in Red Deer and Edmonton.
In a special dinner at Red Deer’s Cilantro and Chive for Hittel, four of the young people he has helped came to thank him personally.
“Teary-eyed” was how an emotional Hittel responded when asked he felt about meeting the youngsters for the first time.
“This is something special and I really appreciate them coming today.”
Years ago, Anakin Seurink was the first one he met whose wish was fulfilled thanks to his fundraising. Joe, in his trademark leprechaun suit, was joined by Seurink, dressed as Darth Vader, when they rappelled down Red Deer’s Executive Place building in April 2021 as part of the Rope For Hope fundraiser.
Anakin, an avid Star Wars fan and named after the movies’ Anakin Skywalker, donned his Vader uniform again to repeat their rappelling feat at the 23-storey Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel in August 2021.
Suerink was granted his dream of visiting Disney World thanks to Hittel’s fundraising in 2018 and the teen has gone on to raise thousands himself.
Hittel, 87, treasures the memory of meeting Seurink for the first time. “He said, ‘I’m so happy. Joe, you’re my hero.’
He said “I changed their lives.”
Aiden, 13, was one of those who came to the dinner to thank his benefactor. Aiden’s wish to go to Florida’s Legoland. He not only got to visit Legoland, but he saw Disney World and Universal Studios to boot.
“It was a wonderful experience,” said Aiden.
Hittel’s and Make-A-Wish Foundation’s efforts help the community and improve the lives of those whose wishes have been granted.
Jasper’s wish was a new computer. He got his wish in style in March 2021. His computer was hand-delivered by a detachment of Canadian Armed Forces soldiers.
“One of the things I really like to learn about is military technology and I thought that was really cool.”
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