Skip to content

Make-A-Wish Canada’s first Trailblazing fundraiser to happen at Manning Park

Event challenges participants to hike 40 km in a single day
16988184_web1_Magda-and-Ryker
Magdalena Stoltman is participating in the first Canadian Trailblazer to give back for what the Make-a-Wish Foundation was able to do for her son, Ryker. Submitted

Make-A-Wish British Columbia & Yukon is holding its first-ever Trailblaze Challenge at Manning Park: the event challenges participants to hike 40 kilometres through the park in one day, and a wish recipient family will be among those making the inaugural trek.

In the spring of 2018, Ryker, a then-three-year-old who had endured a critical kidney illness and transplant, had his wish to visit Walt Disney World come true. His mom, Magdalena Stoltman, decided to join the Trailblaze Challenge to help other families see their wishes come true, too.

“Ryker’s wish gave us something to look forward to,” said Stoltman. “We spent three years with life revolving around Ryker’s dialysis, hospitals, and surgeries which didn’t leave much time to really stop and enjoy life fully. Having a wish granted… was that light at the end of the tunnel that showed us life can and will be okay.”

READ MORE: Make-A-Wish reaches the skies

Stoltm pre-registered for the Trailblaze Challenge as soon as she heard about it.

“I’ve always known I would help Make-A-Wish any way I possibly could and this was the perfect opportunity. I’ve traveled to different countries just to hike so a fundraising hike in the beautiful place I’m lucky enough to call home, while helping a foundation I’m eternally grateful to, feels like it was made for me. I’m looking forward to helping other families have the experience we were lucky enough to have.”

The Trailblaze Challenge has become a popular event for numerous Make-A-Wish chapters in the U.S., and Ross Hetherington, CEO, Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon is looking forward to bringing the event into Canadian territory for the first time on September 13-15, 2019.

“Making a wish come true can really change lives for kids and their families during a difficult time,” said Hetherington. “The Trailblaze Challenge is an opportunity to connect with new people and show them the impact of a wish. Together, we can support kids and families in our communities and give them something to look forward to during their health care journey.”

READ MORE: New Fraser Valley trail running race series will take place in Mission and Manning Park this spring

Trailblaze Challenge participants are asked to fundraise $2,000 through their networks to help grant wishes. It’s hoped that the Trailblaze Challenge will help raise funds to grant more than a dozen wishes. Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon is aiming to grant 150 wishes in 2019.

Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon is holding training hikes to get participants prepared for the Trailblaze Challenge at the end of summer. The first training hikes are slated to begin at the end of May.

“We know that a one-day 40 kilometre hike is a challenge, but it’s doable,” Hetherington said. “Our motto for this event is: it’s not a race, it’s a journey. Our participant hikers are willing to go on a journey to help kids see their wishes come true.”

For more information, please visit www.trailblazechallenge.ca.


 

@SarahGawdin on Twitter
SarahGawdin on Instagram
Sarah.Gawdin@HopeStandard.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.