Brayden’s Wish Inspires His Community

Brayden’s medical condition causes progressive muscle weakness. He is able to walk, but tires easily from the physical exertion. Despite this, Brayden is a very active child who loves the outdoors. He is fascinated by ATVs, ambulances, and like many kids his age, he loves firetrucks. 
 
“YouTube videos of firefighters and firetrucks are his life,” say Brayden’s parents.
 
Brayden’s family has close relationships with people who work in Fire and Rescue Services and he has always been fascinated by their work. It was no surprise that he wished to become a firefighter.
 
Make-A-Wish staff contacted the Grunthal Fire Department in Manitoba and enlisted the help of RM Hanover Fire and Rescue Services to plan Brayden’s big day. 
 
On the day of his wish, Brayden and his family started his adventure by getting outfitted with their own personalized fire turnout gear and riding in a firetruck to the fire hall. Brayden spent his afternoon training with the Grunthal fire team. 

His training came in handy, as he received a special call to help put out a training fire. His parents say, “Brayden’s favourite part of the day was putting out the fire.”  
 
After completing his fire reports (with the help of his uncles), he was the guest of honour in his very own Fire Truck Parade down the main street of his home town. 

The next stop was a community barbeque at the fire hall. The Grunthal community was thrilled to be involved in Brayden’s wish day.

Brayden’s wish day was ended with a very touching ceremony, where he was inducted into the fire hall as an honourary firefighter for life.  
 
After saying his farewells, Brayden arrived at home and discovered that his community had built him an accessible Fire Truck Play Structure, guaranteed to suit his changing physical needs. 
 
Thank you to Dave & Busters Vaughan for generously supporting Brayden’s wish. Special thanks to RM Hanover Fire and Rescue for their tremendous help coordinating Brayden’s wish, to Grunthal Lumber for their generous donations for the play structure, and to Sony Canada for the family’s video camera which help capture this special day. Additional thanks to Grunthal Grocery and Unger Meats for their contributions to the Grunthal Fire Hall barbeque.