Local organization recognized for their contributions

Times Reporter

 

Putting time and effort into raising money for charity isn’t something people do to be recognized, but sometimes it’s nice. The Children’s Wish Foundation held their fourth annual ‘Lighting up Lives Gala’ on April 14, in Calgary and one Strathmore group was picked to receive the merit award. 

“The annual Gala is our opportunity to recognize the outstanding volunteer and philanthropic efforts that make wish granting possible,” said Jason Evanson, Chapter Director for the Children’s Wish Alberta and NWT.

“We are so grateful for the outstanding support from events like Harleys and Hotrods and the Strathmore community. Thanks to their support the AB & NWT Chapter will grant over 120 wishes this year. Together, we truly are lighting up lives”

“It’s a big boost for us, we’re very pleased with it,” said Vince Orme, president of the Harleys and Hotrods poker run board.

“The Children’s Wish Foundation has always been a big charity for us and that’s our charity of choice, so we were quite happy to be able to provide all that money for them.”  

The Children’s Wish has one of the lowest overheads is one reason why the board likes to support them.

“It’s a good cause, and it’s a really good organization,” said Audrey Soroka, treasurer for Harleys and Hot Rods. 

“I think sometimes when people think of bikers…you get your old stereotypes, but it’s average people. All of us…we all love riding for many reasons.”

Soroka and Cindy Jensen accepted the Merit award on behalf of Harleys and Hotrods. The award recognizes outstanding support of  the Alberta and NWT chapter, both individuals and organizations. The award is for people that have been supporting the Children’s Wish Foundation every year. To date Harleys and Hotrods has donated over $72,000 to the Children’s Wish Foundation. 

 “We’ve got some friends that have dealt with them, they have children, or a cousin, that personally received a wish from the Children’s Wish Foundation, and they’re local to Strathmore,” said Orme.

“So it’s something that hits close to home, it’s been our choice anyway, because of the personal involvement.” 

Soroka had been told the group was being considered for an award and that was the last she heard until a week and a half before the Gala.

“We’re now thinking, after being at the event, I think we are definitely going to try to buy some tickets every year, because we support that cause. I think it would be good for our boards members and other people to see where our money is going that we’ve donated,” said Soroka. 

“What a wonderful cause it is, it was so overwhelming. The stories of the children and the families that this society has impacted, it was just amazing.” 

The Harleys and Hotrods poker run will be taking place on July 9 this year, starting with breakfast and registration at Underground Performance.