Getting in on wishes

The first fundraiser for the new subchapter of the Children's Wish Foundation will take place in Wabush tonight (Monday).

Jim Farrell is heading up the committee that will help raise funds in Labrador West to go to the provincial chapter, which grants an average of 28 wishes each year for children with serious illnesses.

Farrell said the organization was one that he always had in the back of his mind and figured, someday, he'd like to do something to contribute to the great cause.

"Even years ago when I worked with Wabush Mines, I'd think about the Children's Wish Foundation and what a wonderful organization that is," said Farrell. "After I retired I got involved with municipal politics and was mayor here in Wabush and it seemed I never had enough time, but now I do."

Wishes are granted to seriously ill children ages 3 to 17 and the wishes are limited to a child's imagination as long as health and safety are not compromised.

Nationally, the Foundation has granted more than 15,000 wishes to children and, Farrell feels, that number should grow as long as there are ill children waiting on wishes.

"I would hate to see a child not get a wish because there isn't enough funding to grant it," he said. "There have been nine children in Labrador that have gotten wishes and, as I understand, they are working on a wish for a child in Labrador West right now."

The main fundraiser for the Children's Wish Foundation is a walk in October, Walk for Wishes, but Farrell said his committee won't be limited to one fundraiser.

"I think there are many ways to raise money here in Labrador West," he said. "We can have a toll on the road, card games...and the companies are great up here and I am sure they'd make donations."

Farrell plans to put off at least three fundraisers each year and the card game tonight, he says, is the start.

"I think tonight will be a success," Farrell said. "Everyone I asked to make sandwiches, for donations, to help out with serving (even those who don't like playing cards), they all said yes. People are wonderful for that here in Labrador West and I know we can contribute very well to this cause."

The card game begins at 8:30, Monday night (May 31) at the Legion in Wabush.

Prizes for first, second and third place winners.

Lunch will be served.

Children's Wish Foundation-Labrador West subchapter Committee

Jim Farrell

Lori Strangemore

Yvonne Smith and her 11-year-old daughter,

Emily Greta Farrell