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Every great dream begins with a dreamer.
Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
(Harriet Tubman)
Martha Birkett was born and raised on farms in Niagara-On-The-Lake and Wainfleet, Ontario. She is one of nine children born to John and Mary Vandelaar. Her parents fostered many children over the years as well. It was always a full house.
In 1986 her young family moved to Lodgepole, Alberta where she worked for the Alberta Forest Service. In 1993, Martha and her three daughters moved to Cochrane, Alberta where she worked as a Secretary and Dispatcher for the Town of Cochrane's Fire and Ambulance Department. Two years later she became a 9-1-1 Emergency Operator and Fire Dispatcher for the City of Calgary. Martha's love for children and horses led her to Bates Bar J Ranch - a children's horse riding camp near Water Valley, Alberta. Here, she worked as the Head Counsellor and Riding Leader for several years – becoming the mother figure to many young campers.
Martha has a strong interest in alternative health and works as a Distributor for Sunrider International Whole Foods. As well, she is a Body Talk Practitioner - using her skills on animals as well as people. Martha also works with her husband Ken, as an Administrative Officer for his Forestry Consulting Company - TREES Consulting Inc.
Martha has always had a passion for horses. She spends a great deal of time riding in the foothills and Rocky Mountains, west of Cochrane. After several years of riding in the Calgary Stampede Parade, she helped form a women's parade group called 'Women of the Wild West'. In the summer of 2007, Martha started competing in the sport of Competitive Trail Riding - falling in love with the sport.
The newest loves in Martha's life are her two beautiful grandsons, Avery and Ryder. She can't wait to get them in the saddle!
Martha chose the Children’s Wish Foundation as her charity focus for several reasons. One of her sisters was severely health challenged and handicapped - she is thankful everyday for her own healthy children and grandchildren. She knows several children and their families who have benefited from the Foundation’s generosity and recognizes how their lives were enhanced.
Visit Martha's Journal to see where she is and what adventures she's experienced on route. View pictures of Martha and her horses.
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