It was over twenty five years ago that an unlikely partnership was formed between two organizations that, at first glance, seemed to share no common ground. A newly established Children’s Wish Foundation, Alberta & NWT Chapter was approached by the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch (ISCCA) in the hopes that the children’s charity would accept their modest donations.  The ISCCA had been raising money through drag performances and other initiatives, yet was unable to find a charity willing to accept their donations. Ask anyone familiar with ISCCA’s history and they will tell you of the countless "rejection" letters they received, declining the organization’s donations. Children’s Wish, a national non-profit just establishing themselves in Alberta, was happy to receive the funds to help grant wishes to children with life threatening illnesses and their families.  Fast forward a quarter of a century and the ISCCA is now part of an elite group of donors whose support of Children’s Wish is exceptional.

Throughout the years, the ISCCA has proven tireless in their efforts to not only provide financial support for Children’s Wish and the families they serve but has strived to build awareness for the cause within the gay and lesbian community and beyond. Don’t be surprised to attend a drag performance and buy a shot in support of Children’s Wish or see brochures on every table! The ISCCA’s commitment to Children’s Wish was further solidified in 1997 when long standing ISCCA member Fred Udey had the opportunity to personally experience the magic of a wish.

It was that year that Fred’s twelve year old niece Whitney was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Being familiar with the Foundation’s eligibility criteria, Fred referred his niece for a wish. Once approved, Whitney decided that the one thing she wanted more than anything else in the world was a trip to Disneyland with her family. Fred, Whitney and family enjoyed a week long magical adventure, creating memories fondly remembered to this day. When asked of his favourite moment of the trip Fred shares how while attending a King Arthur themed horse and jousting show, Whitney was picked as the princess to oversee the performance. Whitney was a huge horse lover and dreamed of being a veterinarian so this was an unforgettable moment where Fred had the chance to see his niece living her dream. Sadly, Whitney passed away the year following their trip and Fred and family are now left with the precious memories of that time together. More than three albums worth of photos were captured from the trip.

Fred experienced first hand the magic a wish fulfilled brings to these special children and their families, which in turn fuels his commitment to inspiring others to support Children’s Wish with as much passion and enthusiasm as himself and the ISCCA have shown over the years. This past April, Emperor 34, Fred Wolf-Would and Empress 34, Malibu Stacey, representing the ISCCA, were welcomed by Children’s Wish into Roary’s Pride; an honour reserved for donors whose  cumulative donations have exceeded $100,000. This past year alone the ISCCA presented Children’s Wish with a $7,000 donation; one of their more significant annual donations to date.

Accepting the award at the annual Children’s Wish Lighting up Lives Gala was the perfect way to celebrate the long standing relationship between these two organizations and the countless lives that have been touched thanks to the ISCCA.  "I have volunteered in one way or another with the ISCCA for 28 years now and I am most proud of the work the organization does and the money we are able to raise for much needed charities," says Fred.  The Children’s wish Foundation echoes the sentiment.