How you can help

Giddy Up for Wishes is about dreams - the dreams of Martha Birkett and the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses.

Martha left Ottawa on horseback on March 30, 2008 and will ride 3500 km along the Trans Canada Highway to Calgary, Alberta. She will arrive in time for the Calgary Stampede. Her goal is to raise money and awareness for the Children's Wish Foundation.

Martha Birkett

“I want to do something that will make a big difference to the lives of children. I believe in the healing effect that working toward a positive goal can have in helping people overcome life’s challenges. I hope Canadians will see the magic of this ride and help Giddy Up for Wishes as we celebrate the therapeutic relationship between horses and people while raising money for the Children’s Wish Foundation,” says Martha.

Martha’s adventures began with a spectacular send-off in Ottawa on March 30. With many people on hand, the Children’s Wish Foundation invited attendees to make The World's Biggest Wish - a wish for world peace. Martha is honored to carry that precious wish on her saddle – and gather more along the way – as she rides home to Cochrane, Alberta, in time for Canada Day. From there, it’s on to the Calgary Stampede where she is working to secure a position in the July 4th Parade. A powerful wish like this deserves a powerful finale. Plans are being made for Martha to deliver this wish – and others that she gathers from ‘wish’ children along the way – at a high profile event in Calgary.

Equine Canada Announces Martha Birkett as the Official Spokesperson for Horse Week 2008! Click here for details.

Follow Martha’s adventures through her Journals.
Planning the Ride - March 2007 - March 29, 2008
April 2008
May 2008

Bid in our online auction to win Champagne, a Giddy Up for Wishes Horse.


Hey Kids! Find out how to win a week at
Bates Bar J Ranch or Horses R Cool Riding School.

The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada provides children with high-risk, life-threatening illnesses the opportunity to realize their most heartfelt wish. The work we do is about dignity, about dreams come true and about quality of life for children coping with high-risk, life threatening illnesses. It is about precious moments spent enjoying the special magic of a wish fulfilled. It’s about allowing families a break from the day to day trials of tests, treatments, and hospital stays and most importantly it’s about smiles on the faces of very special children.

Dwight's Wish Story	Bryce's Wish Story	Jessica's Wish Story	Krista's Wish Story	Dawson's Wish Story

Make a Donation

For a child whose wish is about to be granted, the pain and discomfort of the illness, and often harsh treatment regimes, somehow becomes more bearable. For many, the excitement of planning and anticipating their dream has a dramatic effect on their healing. These courageous youngsters often experience a renewed sense of energy and hope as they see a different kind of light at the end of the tunnel.

After two decades of wish granting behind them, the Children's Wish Foundation has filled over 12,000 wishes - upwards of 800 wishes annually.