Trail ride raises funds for Children’s Wish of Alberta

A horseback ride in the Cypress Hills Inter-provincial Park is a breathtaking experience that one should not pass up if the opportunity presents itself, but knowing you are taking a ride to help sick children’s dreams come true is every bit its weight of gold.

The sixth annual Alberta Wish Ride, which is now the Cypress Hills Wish Ride, took place Sept. 9 at the historic Reesor Ranch to help raise funds in support of Children’s Wish of Alberta. That organization grants wishes to those children between the ages of three and 17 who are diagnosed with a life threatening illnesses.

Irene White and Roger Matas started the Alberta Wish Ride back in 2009 and hosted the event for eight years before asking Scott and Theresa Reesor to continue the event.

“They wanted to take on less and less than what they were taking on themselves,” said Scott.

“They were still involved (in 2016) but didn’t want to carry it on themselves … (and) figured it was a cause worthwhile and we still host the event here at the ranch. If they (the wish kids) can have a great thing happen to them then they could possibly change the whole course that they are going on.

“We’re just happy to be able to host it here at the ranch and be a part of the whole atmosphere,” she said prior to this year’s event, “and giving back to brothers who are less fortunate.”

“It’s a group of riders who get together and we go once a year for a trail ride,” said Andrea Slofstra, Cypress Hills Wish Ride co-ordinator along with the Reesors.

Slofstra found inspiration to help with the ride when she walked into the Toronto Sick Kids Hospital a number of years ago. She said the experience was an eye-opener for her because life issues do not compare to what these kids have to endure.

“When I heard about it from a friend of mine from back home in Saskatchewan who had gone on it, I just thought ‘this is such a great cause to get involved in and raise as much money as I can and grant wishes for kids,’” said Slofstra.

“I love raising money for it and I hope we can keep going with it.”

Riders chose either a oneor four-hour trail ride.

Each rider was responsible to raise a minimum of $100 — either from their own pocket or through pledges. They were also asked to have an Alberta Equestrian Federation or a Saskatchewan Horse Federation membership.

In its eight years, the ride has raised more than $350,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada for the Alberta and Northwest Territories chapter.