The 27th annual Trail Ride Against Cancer raised more than $30,000 on a nearly perfect day for a trail ride.
Beginning at the Daines Ranch Rodeo Grounds on Sept. 7, the 12- to 16- kilometre ride started at the rodeo grounds after registration and breakfast, looped west along an old growth forest beside the Red Deer River and returned to the rodeo area for an evening meal.
“Over the 26 years of the trail ride, we have raised more than $160,000 for the Central Alberta Cancer Society,” said 23-year-old Bailey Gilks, the ride's event coordinator. “Our $40,000 goal was ambitious, but we managed to raise $30,200 by the time we tallied up.”
The Innisfail Trail Ride Against Cancer was founded in 1987 when a few neighbours and friends around the Innisfail area got together for a trail ride and barbecue in honour of loved ones who had passed away from cancer.
“In 2010, when I first took over the event, we raised $8,000,” said Gilks. “From 2011 to 2013, we managed to raise $73,350, which represented a large increase from the last few years.”
Coupled with the increase in donations was an increase in numbers of trail riders as well, with 270 participating in 2013, up from 100 in 2010. This year saw 280 join the fundraiser.
The event coordinator credits Facebook with the growth of the event.
“There are lots of people who connect from different walks of life and different areas through social media. We were really able to bring people together and the results show it,” said Gilks. “We also promoted this through the various equine shows and rodeos in Alberta to reach as many riders as we could.”
Upon their return from the three-hour trail ride, riders were able to sit down and enjoy a steak dinner, and participate in silent auctions. There were door prizes for riders to win, including for top fundraisers, youngest rider, farthest travel, and top poker hands.
“One thing that makes this event special is that we have a second year filly, Lexi, that is gifted to the rider who raised the most amount of pledges for the Alberta Cancer Foundation,” said Gilks. “This year, the family that won Lexi last year donated her back after deciding another family needed her this year. It couldn't have been truer.
“The Dandurand family that won her had just lost their father/husband this spring and raised over $14,000 to take the two-year-old home,” she added. “It was an emotional day of healing and memories for everyone.”
The trail ride organizer was thankful for the volunteers and the seven different landowners who “provided land for us to ride on.
“It would not have been possible without them over the years,” said Gilks.
She added they are looking to continue the success of this year and are looking for sponsors and volunteers for next year's event.
For more information on the Innisfail Trail Ride Against Cancer visit albertacancer.ca/innisfailtrailride2014 or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/innisfailtrailrideagainstcancer. Donations are still being accepted.
