Crowfoot Ride for Cancer goes rain or shine

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Riders from the Siksika Nation and Wheatland County will join together to remember those with cancer, while raising funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, during the first annual Crowfoot Crossing Cancer Ride.
The ride is a spin-off of the successful Innisfail Trail Ride Against Cancer, which has been running for 27 years and sees about 300 riders a year.
“I have had a lot of family members affected by cancer and it is one reason I participate in the rides,” said Rhonda Leger, one of the co-coordinators of the event, a 10-year cancer-free survivor herself. “You don’t have to be an aggressive rider to participate. The trail is on flat land. It is to honour those who are struggling with cancer or who have passed away. People can get pledges if they like, but they are not required to participate.”
She decided to bring this ride to Southern Alberta. The event will help to raise money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation for their many ventures.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m., horses, wagons and carts will start at the site of the original signing of Treaty Seven at Blackfoot Crossing. Leger said she currently has 20 riders and three wagons signed up. It will go rain or shine, so come prepared. The event is family oriented and non-alcoholic.
The ride will go along the Bow River on Crown land, where riders can enjoy the scenery.
The Siksika princess will make an appearance in full aboriginal dress and the night will end with traditional food of fry bread on a stick and burgers, berry soup and mint tea.
The ride is open to anyone; those wanting to partake can call Leger at 403-499-9733 to register. Owners can register their horses for $20 and wagon rides are $30.
Those wanting to participate or go on the wagons are urged to pre-register, so the organizers know how many people are coming. Leger also invites those who want to perhaps watch to come down and enjoy while reminding those that donate over $20 will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Volunteers are needed, if you are interested, call Leger.