Rumwal Adventures Benefits Children's Wishes
Teresa K. Saari
February 28, 2005
On February 20th, while covering a local fishing derby, I had the privilege of meeting some very special people. One thing I’ve learned since I’ve begun reporting news and events is that you just never know who you might meet or come across. That particular day was no exception. RUMWAL Adventure leaders Lawrence Gibson and Murray Hanchard and Make-A-Wish Foundation board member, Bob Winterford have introduced me to a whole new level of generosity.
It was a fishing derby unlike any other, as nearly 50 people dotted the ice on Wabamun Lake, from 9am to 3pm. Fishing contests may be common place; however this one in particular, run by RUMWAL Adventures, all started as two guys getting people together just to have fun. There were broad smiles all around; hearty laughter was heard continuously throughout the day and to cap it off at the end, a thundering RUMWAL hooray. On February 20th, memories were made.
RUMWAL Adventures came to life a couple of years ago, over backyard drinks between two friends with huge hearts. Lawrence and Murray, both amateur fishermen, had recently taken their families fishing. Upon seeing the joy on his daughter’s face when she made her first catch, Lawrence realized that they could be on to something big. He and Murray knew firsthand of many people who simply didn’t or couldn’t take time out of their hectic lifestyles to partake in such an activity, and so they began planning an actual event where many people could get together to do just that. Everyone is welcome to participate in their adventures. Entry fee monies always go toward adventure costs incurred such as prizes, meals, etc. In the unlikely event that money is left over, it is automatically applied toward the next adventure.
RUMWAL Adventures is about Murray and I getting people together to have fun.” Lawrence said modestly. Murray laughing was quick to add, “I’ve won Best Looking Fisherman for three years in a row!” Jokes and laughter ensued. In the beginning they decided against calling themselves, RUMWAL Fishing Adventures because they didn’t want to limit the adventures to fishing alone. In addition to the regular excursions, they’ve also aided in charity barbeques, and have more charity geared events in the works.
On July 16th, RUMWAL Adventures will lead the way to a trout pond 20km south of Sherwood Park, most likely with an entourage of participants in fast pursuit, many of whom will be terminally ill children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The trout pond is situated on privately owned land and was built with events such as this in mind. Fire pits have been placed every twenty feet and there are even bridges which lead to a small island. “It’s an absolute oasis.” says, Lawrence, who was first invited to the property last year. Bob Winterford, board member from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, who was also in attendance on Sunday, predicts the July 16th event to be one of the biggest benefits for the charity to date. This is due not only to the rising popularity of RUMWAL, but mostly because the children will actually be stepping away from the hospitals and doctor’s offices, and spending time doing something that they wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to do. “For some, this will be the first and the last fish they catch.” Each child who participates will be for the most part, responsible for their own sponsors, and the amount they receive from them will depend on the size of the fish caught. That money will not even run through the regular administration procedures, but will go directly toward that child’s specific wish. It’s a win-win situation.
Despite the fact that the children will be seeking personal sponsorship, the fact remains that due to illness and special circumstances, many of them will be physically unable to do so. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Rumwal will be accepting donations on behalf of the children in support of this cause, from everyone who wishes to contribute. To donate, or to receive more information, feel free to contact Lawrence at lgibby1@shaw.ca, Murray at rumtan@telusplanet.net, or Bob at bobw@titanlogix.com.
It was a fishing derby unlike any other, as nearly 50 people dotted the ice on Wabamun Lake, from 9am to 3pm. Fishing contests may be common place; however this one in particular, run by RUMWAL Adventures, all started as two guys getting people together just to have fun. There were broad smiles all around; hearty laughter was heard continuously throughout the day and to cap it off at the end, a thundering RUMWAL hooray. On February 20th, memories were made.
RUMWAL Adventures came to life a couple of years ago, over backyard drinks between two friends with huge hearts. Lawrence and Murray, both amateur fishermen, had recently taken their families fishing. Upon seeing the joy on his daughter’s face when she made her first catch, Lawrence realized that they could be on to something big. He and Murray knew firsthand of many people who simply didn’t or couldn’t take time out of their hectic lifestyles to partake in such an activity, and so they began planning an actual event where many people could get together to do just that. Everyone is welcome to participate in their adventures. Entry fee monies always go toward adventure costs incurred such as prizes, meals, etc. In the unlikely event that money is left over, it is automatically applied toward the next adventure.
RUMWAL Adventures is about Murray and I getting people together to have fun.” Lawrence said modestly. Murray laughing was quick to add, “I’ve won Best Looking Fisherman for three years in a row!” Jokes and laughter ensued. In the beginning they decided against calling themselves, RUMWAL Fishing Adventures because they didn’t want to limit the adventures to fishing alone. In addition to the regular excursions, they’ve also aided in charity barbeques, and have more charity geared events in the works.
On July 16th, RUMWAL Adventures will lead the way to a trout pond 20km south of Sherwood Park, most likely with an entourage of participants in fast pursuit, many of whom will be terminally ill children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The trout pond is situated on privately owned land and was built with events such as this in mind. Fire pits have been placed every twenty feet and there are even bridges which lead to a small island. “It’s an absolute oasis.” says, Lawrence, who was first invited to the property last year. Bob Winterford, board member from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, who was also in attendance on Sunday, predicts the July 16th event to be one of the biggest benefits for the charity to date. This is due not only to the rising popularity of RUMWAL, but mostly because the children will actually be stepping away from the hospitals and doctor’s offices, and spending time doing something that they wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to do. “For some, this will be the first and the last fish they catch.” Each child who participates will be for the most part, responsible for their own sponsors, and the amount they receive from them will depend on the size of the fish caught. That money will not even run through the regular administration procedures, but will go directly toward that child’s specific wish. It’s a win-win situation.
Despite the fact that the children will be seeking personal sponsorship, the fact remains that due to illness and special circumstances, many of them will be physically unable to do so. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Rumwal will be accepting donations on behalf of the children in support of this cause, from everyone who wishes to contribute. To donate, or to receive more information, feel free to contact Lawrence at lgibby1@shaw.ca, Murray at rumtan@telusplanet.net, or Bob at bobw@titanlogix.com.
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