Making wishes come true
More than $23,000 raised at New Glasgow Wishmaker Walk
NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — It’s time away from doctors, a break from therapy and a distraction from surgeries.
“It’s a week away from reality is what it is,” says Lynn Arsenault, explaining what Children’s Wish offers sick children and their families.
Her son Daniel had muscular dystrophy and passed away last year at age 18 as a result of complications from the disease. In 2005, Daniel had been a Children’s Wish recipient and had the opportunity to go to Disney World with his family.
Last weekend, a fundraiser was held in New Glasgow to help the Children’s Wish Foundation grant more wishes for youth like Daniel.
“It is a complete honour that they’re having this walk in Daniel’s memory,” Arsenault said just prior to the Wishmaker Walk on Saturday. “It’s a bittersweet day, but in Daniel’s memory alone, we raised $3,674 in pledges.”
Donna Richards organized this year’s event which in total brought in more than $23,000.
There are currently three local children who are in the process of having wishes granted and events like this go a long way to make it happen.
“This is our largest fundraiser of the year,” she said. “All the proceeds go to granting those wishes. Each wish is about $10,000.”
Wishes can vary greatly depending on the child. For those who are hospital bound, it might be as simple as toys to brighten their time spent in their room. Others go on trips or meet celebrities.
Richards has been involved with Children’s Wish for many years and said it was fitting to hold it in honour of Daniel this year.
“He was amazing. He had a very infectious smile. He always saw the good in people.”