22nd Annual Event - Saturday, August 21st, 2010
Gary & Silver Peltier moved from Winnipeg to Woodlands in 1988. They were anxious to meet their new country neighbours and wondered if organizing a trail ride on horse back would be a good way to do so. In addition to meeting some new friends they hoped to be able to do some good for others in the process and began looking at various charity groups that they could raise a little money for. It happened that the Children’s Wish Foundation had very recently opened a branch in Manitoba and would be thrilled to accept any proceeds that Gary & Silver could provide.
The first Children’s Wish Trail Ride and Family Fun Day included 11 riders (some of whom continue to participate 21 years later), 26 people for dinner and raised $750 to be given to Children’s Wish. As time went on and Gary & Silver became more involved in the Children’s Wish Foundation, the “Wish Ride” took on a life of its own and people from far and wide mark the 3rd Saturday in August as a “must attend” event.
The Peltier Farm is bursting at the seams starting on Friday night before the ride, as people get there early to pick their favourite camp spot and reserve their table for the BBQ on Saturday after the ride.
What started as a neighbourhood gathering has turned into one of the Children’s Wish Foundation’s most generous “givers". Over the past 21 years, with the help of all who donate time, talent, food, auction prizes and cash donations, the South Interlake Chapter of The Children’s Wish Foundation has contributed over $700,000.
The committee who organizes the event pride themselves on the fact that each and every year, the vast majority of the funds raised go toward granting wishes for sick kids. It is not uncommon for the total expense of the event to be less than $500. EVERYTHING that happens on Ride day is the result of someone’s generosity.
The committee feeds over 750 people annually; they have over 100 auction prize packages; they have entertainment for all ages from mid day to the wee hours of the morning and do it all with donations from good hearted people and businesses in the community.
Join us for our 22nd annual event on Saturday, August 21st, 2010... and help make a child's wish come true! We hope to see you there!
Thank You
We just want to say thank you to all the riders, business and private sponsors, volunteers and all the people who helped make our 2009 event a great day, in spite of the poor weather that we started out with.
We would not be able to continue doing this Wish Ride, if it wasn't for all the people who continue to help us out each year. We managed to make just under $60,000. Congrats to everyone who helped make this happen.
Silver and Gary
