By Katie Wallmuth
Horses’ hooves and motorcycle engines carried hope on Saturday as the 35th annual Ride for Child’s Wish Family Fun Day brought hundreds together at Gary and Silver Peltier’s farm south of Woodlands.
The milestone fundraiser featured a motorcycle ride with 29 riders along Highway 6 and a horseback trail ride through the bush with 56 horses — ranging from a 13-year-old participant to an 85-year-old veteran rider. All proceeds support Make-A-Wish, granting wishes for Manitoba children with critical illnesses.
The motorcycle ride began at Warren Fuels with a pancake and sausage breakfast, with sausages cooked by MLA Trevor King, and stretched 250 kilometres around the Interlake before ending back at the Peltier farm for supper.
Organizer Silver Peltier thanked the dedicated volunteers who come out year after year.
“We couldn’t do it without all of you,” she said.
Her husband Gary echoed that sentiment when he addressed the crowd. “This plaque does not belong to Silver and I, it belongs to all of you,” he said, noting that generations of families and volunteers have kept the fundraiser alive.
“If you guys weren’t here, it would not happen. We thoroughly appreciate what you’ve done for our wish children and families. We couldn’t do it without all of you,” he said.
For the Peltiers, the event has never just been about raising money — it has become a living tradition. Families like the Finnbogasons and the Dearmans have passed down their involvement from grandparents to grandchildren, creating what Gary calls “a generational thing.”
“The same people come back year after year, but what’s really inspiring is seeing their kids and now their grandkids take up the reins,” he said. “That’s what makes this so powerful.”
Volunteers are at the heart of the day. Crews led by Bob and his team have cooked suppers for decades, while the “potato ladies” continue their annual tradition of washing, wrapping and preparing more than a thousand potatoes. “They’ve been at it for 30 years or more,” Silver added. “It’s those quiet efforts that make the day run so smoothly.”
A community donation
Among the highlights was a $10,000 donation from the Cal Surgenor Memorial Golf Tournament. Carly, Ainsley and Cheryl presented the gift in memory of Cal Surgenor, who passed away from kidney cancer in 2023.
“Anyone who knew Cal knows he was a true community man,” Cheryl said. “We wanted to carry on his spirit of giving locally. With the help of many sponsors, family and friends, we are happy to donate to Make a Wish.”
The donation pushed this year’s fundraising tally well past $16,000, even before auction proceeds were added. Bidders crowded around to vie for donated items, which ranged from handmade goods to community services, all contributing to the growing total.
Families whose children had received wishes shared their stories with the crowd, putting faces and voices to the impact of the event.
Kendra’s grandfather spoke about his grandaughter’s recent trip to Disney World, made possible through Make-A-Wish. Kendra lives with a rare genetic condition that has required multiple heart surgeries.
“We had a really great time on our trip and we really want to thank these folks for providing us with that,” he said, noting that the experience gave his family lasting memories together.
Another wish recipient, four-year-old Maize from Inwood, was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour last year. After completing treatment in December, she received a backyard play structure through Make-A-Wish.
“This wasn’t just a play structure,” her mother, Monique Bizin, told the crowd. “It was a castle, a spaceship, whatever Maize’s imagination could turn it into. It reminded us that even after everything she’s been through, her joy and generosity are still stronger than ever. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.”
Over the past 35 years, the Ride for Child’s Wish has raised close to $2 million, starting from just $750 in its first year. That money has helped send dozens of children on once-in-a-lifetime trips, provided backyard play structures, and created opportunities for families to make memories outside the hospital.
Nuala Nazarko, chapter director for Make-A-Wish Manitoba, praised the Peltiers’ dedication. “From $750 in your first year to now, almost $2 million has been raised for children and families. That is incredible,” she said. “Gary and Silver are true examples of the amazing things that happen when a community comes together.”
As the day wound down with food, fellowship, live music and laughter, the Peltiers reminded attendees that the event’s success lies in the people who show up year after year.
“This year’s total as of press time was $75,661 with more monetary donations still coming in. With the annual growth of this fundraiser, we’re always looking for more people to join us,” said Silver. “It’s a family-oriented day that truly makes a difference for kids who need it most.”
