The seven tribes that participated in Edmonton’s second Exile Island event February 10, 2012 have much to be proud. Seven local children saw their biggest wish granted as a result of the tribes’ hard work and even more wishes will be granted thanks to the $100,000 raised; which is a 45% increase from last year’s event!
For the second year, the event was hosted at West Edmonton Mall where tribes and their respective wish recipients spent the afternoon competing in various challenges throughout the largest shopping mall in North America. The castaways learnt the tough, but delicious, lesson that getting an Oreo cookie from one’s forehead to one’s mouth is much tougher than it sounds! Participants were also treated to fun in the newly opened Ropes Quest attraction, donned fireman gear while hauling large bags of supplies and sampled some of the hottest wings Hudson’s Tap House had to offer.
The afternoon was enjoyed by all including the wish children and families who were left in awe of these tribes who were working so hard on their behalf. Summer, a wish recipient and her mother, Jolnar, who participated in this year’s event, shared the following:
“Exile Island was such a wonderful experience; Summer's smile never left her face the entire day. She participated in all the activities and even helped with the fundraising! [One challenge tasked tribes to sell wish stars for donations to passerby in the mall] To say we are honoured to be a part of the Children's Wish family would be a definite understatement!! We are truly blessed. I can't thank the tribes and the Foundation enough! Summer had so much fun and said "Momma, this is better than any wish I can think of" She was so pleased!”
In addition to having a great day with her tribe, thanks to the Exile Island event, Summer will also be enjoying a week long trip to Disneyworld with her family. Our heartfelt thanks to all the tribes, wish children and families and vounteers who helped make Edmonton's 2012 Exile Island event such a success!
Pictured above from L to R: Chapter Advisory Board Members Anton Morgulis and Jim Kapeluck, wish recipient Caelum, Medical Advisory Committee Member Dr. Dawn Hartfield and Chapter Advisory Board Member Dr. Jerry Yager present the total funds raised on event day, which was later increased to surpass $100,000.
To learn more about this national Children's Wish signature fundraising event nd how you can get involved with next year's Exile Island, visit the Exile Island website.
