Alberta Wish Trail Ride

When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge set down in Calgary, the image of Kate Middleton being presented with a letter by six-year-old Diamond Marshall, who is battling cancer, was one not to be forgotten.

The meeting was made possible after Diamond made a request to meet a princess to the Children’s Wish Foundation.

In support of the foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, the third annual Alberta Wish Trail Ride is taking place in Kananaskis Country Aug. 20.

Horseback enthusiasts can choose from three trails — the three to four hour Romulus and Little Elbow trails — or the seven to eight hour Long Trail.

For co-chair Irene White, the trail ride fundraiser has special significance.

Sixteen years ago her father started a similar ride in Kelowna, B.C., which White attends every May. When her father passed away three years ago, the ride’s co-chair made a decision to add another ride.

“I thought, this is horse country, (the ride) needs to come to Alberta,” she said.

In its first year the ride collected $20,000 and in it’s second $26,300.

White said this year’s goal is to improve upon the 2010 number.

Participants in the 2010 Alberta Wish Trail Ride chat as they trek along. Photo by Bill Bruce

“The more we raise, the more we can help,” she said. “(Wishes) just kind of give (children) a little sunshine in their lives.”

Registration for the ride kicks off at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the gravel pit and overflow area at Little Elbow Campground in Kananaskis Country.

After the three rides wrap up, there will be entertainment, prizes and a silent auction featuring more than 70 items.

For every $25 in pledges, participants will receive a ticket for a grand prize saddle sponsored by Irvine Tack and Western Wear and Dark Horse Land Consulting Ltd.

Anyone interested in registering can do so at albertawishride.ca.

Equestrian camping is available and can be booked through the province website at reserve.albertaparks.ca.

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