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2011 Alberta Wish Ride organizers Irene White (left) and Roger Matas (right) present a $31,000 cheque to Megan Innes (middle) from the Children's Wish Foundation.

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Alberta Wish Ride posts fundraising record

The third annual Alberta Wish Ride, held Aug. 20 in Kananaskis, raised a record $31,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation.

The donations from previous years were $20,000 in year one and $26,300 in year two, bringing the total donation to the foundation to more than $77,000.

“We’re proud to be able to make this donation and support this amazing organization which brings a little sunshine into the lives of Alberta children and their families at what is usually a very difficult time,” said committee chair Irene White.

The 2011 event, held at Little Elbow in Kananaskis, saw 72 riders participate. Riders bring in pledges, then go on a ride through one of several trails in the area. Participants are treated to a pancake breakfast before the ride, then dinner, entertainment and prizes when they return.

“This level of support cannot be accomplished without the hours of our dedicated volunteers and the support of individuals and companies throughout Alberta,” said White.

“Once again, thanks to that community support, we were able to keep our expenses to a minimum while still putting on a first-class day for all the participants.”

While White said planning has already started for the fourth annual event, other organizers have stepped forward who are interested in hosting a similar event in eastern Alberta in 2012. Established in 1984, Children’s Wish is a national non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling a favourite wish for children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.

Since its inception, Children’s Wish has granted more than 17,000 wishes for children and their families and fulfills approximately 900 wishes annually.

The foundation has never refused a wish to an eligible child.