The ninth annual Cypress Hills Wish Ride raised $37,000 for Make A Wish Canada, Southern Alberta last weekend at Historic Reesor Ranch.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
The ninth annual Cypress Hills Wish Ride brought in a record $37,000 dollars in the face of COVID-19 last weekend.
The Wish Ride rallies local horseback riding enthusiasts together for a trot at Historic Reesor Ranch while drumming up funds for children diagnosed with critical illnesses.
The event came at a perfect time too, as Make A Wish Canada, southern Alberta resource development manager April Stallings points out, “Wishes are still happening during the pandemic,” there are just fewer that involve travel as a result of public health guidelines.
“We’ve seen a lot of families choose items like gaming computers and camping trailers rather than travel right now,” Stallings says a MAWCSA release. “Wishes are more important than ever as they bring hope, joy and anticipation to children that really need their wishes during these extraordinary times.”
The release adds that participants spent months collecting pledges from friends, family and local businesses leading up to the event. Local event chair Ron Edwards also received sponsorship support from various local companies, which helped garner the record total and ensure a number of wishes will be granted.
“COVID-19 has significantly impacted the donations received by Make-A-Wish so the event comes at a critical time,” reads the release.
The 2021 Cypress Hills Wish Ride has already been scheduled for Sept. 11 at Historic Reesor Ranch. Those interested in participating or sponsoring the event can contact cypresshillswishride@gmail.com for more information.
