Fresh off a record–smashing year in 2023, Western Wheel Cares is back to support worthy charities in the Foothills this holiday season.
Now in its 13th year, Wheel Cares takes donations from the community and distributes them evenly to seven charitable organizations. Last year, a record $100,002 was raised, smashing the previous mark of $82,670 from a year earlier and bringing the 12-year total to $669,061.
The 2024 Western Wheel Cares campaign will benefit the following seven organizations: Foothills Advocacy in Motion Society, Foothills Country Hospice, Inclusion Foothills, Okotoks Food Bank, Pound Rescue, Rowan House Society and Sheep River Health Trust.
This year’s campaign runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 and 100 per cent of donations are passed through to the charities.
Gayle Wolf, office manager at the Western Wheel and co-ordinator of Wheel Cares, said the campaign supports charities that have the biggest impact in the community.
“The seven that we have chosen for Wheel Cares are a real cross-section that help a wide range of community members,” Wolf said.
She said the outpouring from donors last year was truly remarkable and she’s hopeful even more individuals, businesses and groups will consider donating this year as needs in the community remain high.
Wolf said the program has come a long way since its inaugural year in 2012 when it collected $24,000 for local charities.
Western Wheel publisher Shaun Jessome said Wheel Cares is set up so people can support seven charities with just one donation.
“A singular donation goes a long way and helps a great many people in our communities,” he said.
Jessome said the support the campaign receives from the public every year is amazing, and it all goes to the charities.
"We're honoured to be able to do this on their behalf," he said of the annual campaign.
This year’s Wheel Cares will once again feature a 50/50 draw to be held during Light Up Okotoks on Friday, Nov. 22. Last year’s winner took home $2,856.
The Western Wheel will feature each of the charities over the next seven weeks.
To donate to Western Wheel Cares, mail cheques to Box 150, Okotoks, AB, T1S 2A2 or visit westernwheel.ca/western-wheel-cares.
As well, you can drop by the Wheel office at 9 McRae St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch) weekdays or call 587-325-6234.
