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 was here in Bonfield, the following is taken from her journal at www.giddyupforwishes.com 
We really enjoyed her visit and she is welcome back anytime!!
April 7, 2008 - Left Bob and Diane Corriveau's, Freedom Acres farm at 1030 hrs. Such incredible people, it's interesting how quickly people can become friends in just a short time. Diane fell in love with Champagne and I'm sure she'll be placing a bid on her. They just bent over backwards and sent us home with a bag full of maple syrup spread. Delicious! And it can't be found in Alberta. Rode Rapper today and he was a consistent 14 kms. We covered a lot of ground in a short time and he didn't appear to get tired at all. Hmmmmm, Randy, you may have to arm wrestle me to get him back. We were approaching Bonfield early, so we stopped on the side of the road for 45 minutes, as there was media to meet us at the turnoff. We rode in and it was a beautiful reception. A young girl named Kayla, came up to me and gave me a donation. The Deputy Mayor, Bob Duggard, and a Council Member, John Houle were also there, media, some Lions members and John Wilson who met me on horseback to lead me into the Tall Trees Curlys Farm where we will spend the next 2 days. We had a nice ride in (2 kms..first time Rapper walked) into the farm. Bruce and Marlene Tilson met us at the farm. Great people with some incredible Curly horses. Got settled in and then were invited to the Lions Den for a potluck dinner. We had a wonderful welcome there. I was met at the door by Margo who pinned a corsage on me. That was sooooo nice. The meal was absolutely delicious and what a great group of people. These Lions Clubs and their members have so much fun. I love how everyone gets fined for anything and the money gets put in a jar. At the end of the 'charges' they opened the jar and donated the money to Giddy Up For Wishes. John and Bob, the Bonfield Council members, gave a donation on behalf of the Town as well as everyone approached us with their own personal donations. I learned that Bonfield is one of the places that has the most horses per capita, also learned that the first spike in the Trans Continental railway was driven here, also a 68 pound Muskie was taken out of Lake Nosbonsing which is right here. I have been given Lions pins along the way, that I've put on my vest, I'll be the envy of all the Lions when I get back home. Del, I'll have a few for you as well. This place is very beautiful and full of such welcoming people and good cooks!!
April 8, 2008 - Woke up to an incredible gourmet breakfast at the Tilsons. We then got ready and headed out early for the ride to North Bay as there is an open house planned here from 1 - 4:00 p.m. Coco did great. A couple, anticipating our arrival, were standing at the end of their driveway with a pail of fresh water for the horse. So nice. A van pulled up on the road while we were taking a wee break at a gas station and it was a woman and a man with 2 small children, who asked if they could see the horse. They opened the side door and the 2 year old just giggled as she patted Coco's nose. Coco loved it and kept her nose right in that van. When I got back to the computer, there was an email from the couple stating that they were the foster parents to these two wee ones and that they didn't' know what we were even about till they pulled away. They thanked us for making their little girl's day and said she just said 'horsey' all the way home. This little girl has health challenges and has had several surgeries with another in the near future. They were touched by Giddy Up For Wishes. We got back to the Tilson Curly Farm at 12:30 at the end of the ride and met people, many Lions, at 1:00. Received some more donations and had some great visits. John Wilson, worked very hard and made arrangements for us to set up at the Northgate Mall in North Bay, will have all the media out, as well as the Mayor and then a police escort out of the city. He's a great PR person. Between him and Karen Whittle they have everything under control. Another Lion member named Polly from Sudbury is also working her magic in that area. It's really building. There was a great article in the North Bay Nugget on the front page with a picture of when I rode into Bonfield yesterday. The media is so great with this project. Hung out in the sun with the horses this afternoon and spent time grooming mine and learning about the Curly breed. Very interesting breed that I think I'll look into more at a later date. Had another unbelievable supper prepared by the wonderful cook, Marlene Tilson. If you've ever had her cooking, you'll never forget it. Deb and Marva were worried that I wouldn't have the 'extra' weight on me that they felt was necessary for this ride. Don't worry girls, the way I'm being fed, I'll have to ride more than 3500 kms to wear it off. I'm so pleased with the horses and I give thanks to Sarah and Deb for the help they gave me in getting them used to all kinds of traffic, construction, noodle neck Llama, etc. Heading to bed, I'm sure tired, will have a busy day at the First Spike gas station at 1100 hrs and then off to Northgate Mall. Lots to do before I even get in the saddle to head for Meadowside/Warren.
April 9, 2008 - Woke up to pouring rain this a.m. Loaded up the horses to keep them dry and then had another incredible breakfast with Bruce and Marlene. I stay here much longer and I won't be able to mount my horse for all the extra weight from Marlene's cooking. We headed to The First Spike Gas/Coffee Bar in Bonfield and had an amazing reception there. The staff there had a jar and donated all the $ from their morning coffee to us. They sure get a lot of people, cuz the jar was full. We had a lot of people meet us there and give more donations. They gave me a First Spike T-shirt. It's a good thing that Bonfield isn't any bigger than it is, because the small population that is there is so powerful, If they were a nation, they'd have the power to take over the world. Very helpful, energetic and giving people! I shall never forget Bonfield! What a great place. Oh, adding to the history here, I learned that there are a few escaped black panthers in the area, one was seen by John Wilson, while chasing a rabbit for his supper (not John, the panther). Haha Left the gas bar at 1200 hrs and headed to the Northgate Square in North Bay. We were met, in the rain by some donators, a lot of media and Mayor Vic. We then had a police escort down Main St. and out of the city to Hwy 17. The start was a late one so we didn't quite make it to Sturgeon Falls (about 6 kms east, will pick up there tomorrow). We then went to our overnight stay at Chuck Lochton's place. Chuck is a retired Veterinarian. When I unloaded the horses he looked at their feet and commented that the shoeing job was a really good one, compliments to David Blouin, my great Farrier! Had a little visit and then we were off to one of the Lions' home. Lion Earl Graham and Lion Thelma Porter. Lion Norm, who reminded me a lot of my dad...fun guy, did a lot of work organizing this in a short amount of time. We were presented with a very generous donation and then had a great night of pizza and jokes. Earl is an incredible stain glass window artist. Amazing work and he sent me home with some beautiful pieces. When we got back to Chuck's place we had a visit and I learned that Chuck was born and raised around the Nanton, Alberta area. He also informed me that he is the Pasture Manager at Indian Graves in Alberta. Lona and I ride there and love it. I will definitely be joining him for a few rides out there. If there is any regret that I have so far, it is not being able to spend enough time visiting with Chuck, a very interesting man. I would have loved to meet his wife, but she was out of town and also his daughter who was on the National Jumping Team and traveled the world. Our paths will cross again, I'm sure.
FOR MORE PICTURES GO TO THE LIONS PHOTO GALLERY