Canada Day means many things to many people. For some, it's a chance to saddle up and go for a 10-kilometre trail ride while helping support the country's soldiers at the same time.
The second annual Trails for Troops is hosted by the Edmonton Garrison Saddle Club at CFB Edmonton. It's a fundraising event with all pledges going to the Soldier On Fund. Last year, participants raised about $5,000. Sue McGoldrick, president of the club, hopes to do even better this year.
"We're a military unit and we want to support a military charity."
She said there's also a movement within the equestrian community to do more therapeutic rides for soldiers who are injured or suffer negative psychological effects like those from post-traumatic stress disorder.
"In the future you may see more soldiers who are affected physically being able to get involved in equestrian activities."
The Soldier On Fund is a program that provides non-publicly-funded support to injured or ill Canadian soldiers. The event is $20 to register and participants must solicit at least $50 in pledges or $25 for riders 14 and under. A barbecue lunch will be provided. Organizers say that the course is suitable for beginners as well.
Riders can arrive on Thursday and camp overnight at the saddle club. Overnight camping is also available after the ride but water and electrical hook-ups are not. Riders are welcome to stay and enjoy the festivities at CFB Edmonton for Canada Day.
To learn more about the Soldier On Fund, please visit www.soldieron.ca or check out their Facebook page at "Soldier On/Sans Limites".
For more information about Trails for Troops or to request a registration package, please contact Mel at 780-887-2790 or e-mail [email protected].
Pets in the Park still cleaning up
According to organizers, there were about 18,000 animals at Hawrelak Park on the weekend but only half of them were human. The other 50 per cent were mostly dogs and cats, with a few rabbits, snakes and even a bearded dragon, all out to support the 19th annual Pets in the Park event, a fundraiser run/walk for the Edmonton Humane Society.
Spokesperson Shawna Randolph stated, "It definitely was a fantastic event. Every year it just gets bigger and bigger, and that was definitely the case. It was just packed at one point. There was a sea of people. It was great to see."
A final fundraising figure fundraising was still being tabulated.
While she denied there were spontaneous foot race competitions between attending tortoises and hares, she did say that some people brought parrots.
The society is always working to promote animal adoptions and responsible pet care. While she didn't have details to announce yet, Randolph did say that they are working on a new promotion similar to its Wish Upon a Whisker Wednesday.
To learn more, call 780-471-1774 or visit www.edmontonhumanesociety.com.
