Calling all bidders, dancers, walkers and runners!

Times Contributor

 

The Children’s Wish Foundation, Strathmore Chapter, will be hosting several charitable events with the intent to make more wishes become a reality. Collective efforts have been successful in the past, such as the most recent ‘Movie Under the Stars’ night that took place this past summer. The Children’s Wish Foundation hopes to reach their set goals, with the anticipated Silent Auction, Jelly Bean Dance, and Wish Maker’s Walk for Wishes.

“We always hope to every year to raise enough money for one wish, and the average cost per wish is $10,000,” said Christie Anderson, the chairperson behind the Strathmore Chapter’s events held this year.

The Silent Auction will be held from Sept. 29-Oct. 13 at the Chinook Credit Union. Everyone is encouraged to come inside to browse the many auction items. The organization welcomes all acts of charity, whether it be bidding in the auction or participating in any of the three events. Cash donations (with cheques made payable) to the Children’s Wish Foundation and prize donations are very helpful to the organization as well. 

The Jelly Bean Dance, for kids in Grade 6 and under, will take place on Friday, Oct. 14 at the Strathmore Centennial Civic Centre. The dance begins at 6 p.m. and will end at 8:30 p.m.

Lastly, the main event, the Wishmaker’s Walk for Wishes, a 1km or 5km fun run/walk will take place Saturday, Oct. 15 at Kinsmen Park. A minimum pledge of $25 is required to take part. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9 a.m.

“It is just a lot of fun, they’re all family events, the Jelly Bean Dance, the Walk for Wishes, it’s a great way to get the family out and kids are encouraged to bring their Halloween costumes and wear those,” said Anderson.

In choosing whose wish should be made to come true, Anderson stated that the main office in Calgary makes the decision. 

“They try to keep the funds kind of funnelled as local as possible, it is a Canadian organization, the Children’s Wish Foundation, usually we have a family at every event that is local and that is either  getting a wish granted or has had a wish granted,” said Anderson. 

The organization cannot emphasize enough the need for contributions and participation in the events. The only way the organization can be successful in reaching their goals is if people come out to bid, dance, run and walk.

“The kids who get their wishes granted are obviously very deserving, it’s just a way to get out and have fun for a good cause,” said Anderson.

To find out more information about how someone can get involved or contribute to the organization, please contact Christie Anderson at candcanderson@shaw.ca, (403)934-8155, or visit www.childrenswish.ca.