Hospital Bed Races Raise More Than $71,000 for Healthcare in the Region
Fort McMurray, AB | September 21, 2026 — The Northern Lights Health Foundation’s 9th Annual Hospital Bed Races brought together 14 teams, families and community members on Saturday, September 19, at Syncrude Athletic Park, raising more than $71,000 to support healthcare in the Wood Buffalo region.
Presented by Birch Mountain Enterprises LP (BME), the annual event saw teams of four race hospital beds head-to-head on the track, all while fundraising to help make a difference in local healthcare.
“Hospital Bed Races may be one of our most entertaining events, but the impact behind it is very real. The support raised helps us continue investing in healthcare priorities that directly benefit patients and families throughout our region,” said Vanessa MacNevin, CEO of the Northern Lights Health Foundation.
The 2026 awards recognized teams for more than just their fundraising and speed:
- Top Fundraising Team: BME Bed Pan Runners
- Top Individual Fundraiser: Deanna, BME Bed Pan Runners
- Team Spirit Award: Finning Flyers
- Community Fan Favourite: Recovery Center Rangers
- Golden Bed Pan Trophy: Pembina Pushers
“Hospital Bed Races demonstrates the important role the Foundation plays in bringing our community together around local healthcare. The Board is proud to support this work and grateful to everyone whose participation helps strengthen healthcare across Wood Buffalo,” said Stéphane Gagnon, Chair of the Northern Lights Health Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Beyond the races themselves, the event featured a community BBQ by donation, 50/50 fundraising and fan-favourite voting, giving spectators plenty of ways to get involved and cheer on the teams.
The Northern Lights Health Foundation extends its thanks to every racer, donor, volunteer, sponsor and community member who helped make the 2026 Hospital Bed Races a success.
About the Northern Lights Health Foundation
Founded in 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation raises and allocated funds to support healthcare priorities in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The Foundation is proudly accredited by Imagine Canada’s Standards Program.
Media Contact:
Stephanie MacKenzie,
Events and Communications Officer, NLHF
T: (780) 791-6207
E:Stephanie.MacKenzie2@ahs.ca