could receive and eventually doctors decided they had to remove Jirah two months early, a surgery that put Melanie in a coma. Then, in February 2009, when Jirah was two months old Melanie, 28, died.
Like a shooting star, Melanie lit the world for a short time, but inspired Donna to grant wishes all over the city. Donna joined Children's Wish in 2006 as a volunteer eventually becoming chairperson for the Medicine Hat sub- chapter. In 2009, after Melanie's passing, Donna retired as a school librarian to devote her time to her two passions: her grandchildren and Children's Wish. Donna has worked with the organization raising countless dollars in funding and helping to grant eight wishes a year in the Medicine Hat area.
Above all else Donna knows that family comes first, one of the reasons she loves volunteering with Children's Wish. She meets with families and is able to provide empathy and comfort as they deal with such a difficult time.
"It's a pleasure to bring some joy into these families lives. It's difficult when your child is sick, it effects everybody in your family in different ways. For there to be an organization like the Children's Wish, where there are no strings attached to a wish that is granted for your sick child, to be part of that I'm honoured."
If Donna hears about a family who could receive a wish she contacts them to see if she can submit their name. The submission are sent to Calgary where, after some verifying paperwork, a Medicine Hat child picks their wish. Donna says Disneyland or Disney World is a common wish, but she's also had
children wish to design their own camper trailer or go on a shopping spree.
"I drove the one girl to Calgary. We just spent the whole day shopping," Donna's eyes well up, "it meant a lot to me because I actually got to be part of her wish." Donna says she loves meeting the families and their children, especially knowing she can provide even a little comfort.
Wishes usually average around $10,000, but some could be more or less. Donna works tirelessly to find recipients for wishes and to raise funds. She talks in schools, creates events to raise funding as well as helps organize the donations they receive. The Walk for Wishes fundraiser in Medicine Hat schools raised $50,000 alone last year with total donations reaching around $200,000 says Donna.
Her passion and efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2010, Donna received recognition as Alberta's No. 1 Children's Wish volunteer of the year, followed by her 2011 Laura Cole National Volunteer of the Year Award.
"It was the most wonderful surprise. I'm doing this because I love it and I'm passionate about it."
She says the organizers of the foundation were just as passionate as she was, making her even more proud to be a part of such a great group of people.
Donna says she is proud of the community for their support and volunteers. It is never too difficult to get people willing to help out children in their own community.
Out of her own dark time Donna has created light for many families in the city and beyond. ■
Marianas Trench Wednesday,
July 23 • 9:00pm SPECIAL
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