Wells Grey Riders Association of Clearwater and area will host a Children's Wish Trail Ride this year.
This summer will mark the 18th anniversary of the provincial Children's Wish Trail Ride. The ride has raised more than $1 million for the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada – BC and Yukon Chapter..
The late Walter White and a dedicated group of volunteers started the Wish Trail Ride, growing the event year after year. The concept was simple: collect pledges in support of Children's Wish and enjoy time out on the trails. Through Walter's vision and the hard work of countless volunteers, the ride has grown into a multi-province event, also running in Alberta.
“My dad's passions were horses and Children's Wish and I want to continue this dream for him,” says Irene White, Walter's daughter.
“This ride is a unique opportunity to connect two groups – the equestrian community and families with children facing difficult medical challenges. Simply by enjoying time with your four-legged friend and asking for donations, you can help us provide a heartfelt wish to child in need of renewed hope,” says Jennifer Petersen, chapter director of the Children's Wish Foundation – BC and Yukon Chapter.
Each year, thousands of Canadian children between the ages of three and 17 are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Since 1984, the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada has worked tirelessly to grant exceptional wishes to more than 20,000 children and their families.
This year, the foundation expects to grant over 1,000 new wishes and is proud to have never refused a wish to an eligible child. Each wish is an individual adventure, carefully structured to meet the needs of a particular child and family.
The foundation is a national charity with chapters in every province and territory. Visit www.childrenswish.ca for more information.
Wells Grey Riders Association's ride will be on Saturday, May 31 at Candle Creek Ski Trails (at the end of Barber Road in Clearwater).
Registration will be at 10 a.m. with the ride starting at 11 a.m.
The route will follow some of the ski trails and then onto ridges and some logged areas with great views. Bring your cameras. The ride should last two to three hours with a barbeque after. There will be prizes for riders that raise pledges.
Children's Wish is seeking volunteers, participants, donors and sponsors. Those interested are asked to contact Bill Dowds at 250-674-4083 or email hazeldowds@hotmail.com.