Five campgrounds in Manitoba took part in the second annual Make-A-Wish Canada and the Canadian Camping Week fundraiser, and the Rock Garden Campground near the Village of Richer was one of them.

Dawn Jacobson and her family run the campground and live there year round. Jacobson says as a campground, they like to participate in two fundraisers each year, and this year they chose to help families with sick kids. “We feel it is a great cause and we are a family campground. We do a lot of things for the kids, and we have had some sick children, and there are always kids you want to help out and we felt that this is a way to do our part to help families have some enjoyment.”

Jacobson says the campers this weekend were able to raise $748.10 by selling L.E.D. paper lanterns for $2, and with the sale of food at their barbecue. Because all of the food was donated, 100% of the proceeds were given to Make-A-Wish Canada.

Jacobson says campers got together for a barbecue and entertainment while building community. “Because we did have such a good time with this event we hope to keep doing it and we're hoping that next year we can have a bigger and better event. I know the people that did participate are looking forward to new ideas, and what we can do for next year.”

65 lanterns were set up by 60 campers on Saturday evening. Jacobson says the paper lanterns were set up in the shape of a heart on the basketball court in the campground, and at 10 pm the campers made a wish for the children and lit the lanterns at the same time.  

"It was a wonderful turnout and so nice to see all the love and support people have to give to sick children in need of a wish. We thank all of those that came out to participate and make donations. This was Rock Garden Campground's first year participating and we hope to make a bigger & better event next year."