A family's birthday tradition is helping push the Accessible Playground Equipment fundraiser forward in Portage la Prairie. Kim Wikdahl, a volunteer and co-chair of the Parks Committee, first pitched the idea in 2022 after seeing a family help their child, who uses a wheelchair, get on and off a school bus. It made her realize how few accessible options there were in the city's parks.
In the following years, she has been fundraising for a ‘We-Go-Swing' to be purchased and installed in Island Park. The swing has a platform for a wheelchair on one side and a bench on the other, allowing users to enjoy swinging together. Wikdahl hopes to have the funds to purchase the accessible swing soon, and she is now one step closer with the help of three local children.
Birthday tradition gives back
Dorothy Harder, mother of Maclean, Mahalia and Marshal Little, says they have spent the past few years donating their birthday money to the Accessible Swing Equipment fundraiser.
"I think I heard about it on the radio. I always ask the kids to pick a charity, and they choose which ones they want to give their birthday money to. They decided to choose the wheelchair accessible swing because they like going to the park,” Harder explains.
Each year, the children ask their party guests to donate instead of bringing gifts.
"Honestly, it's probably selfish on my part because we have a big family and they get enough presents from them, meanwhile there's a lot of people that don't have presents and stuff.”
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Matching donations and life lessons
The family is in their third year of giving to Wikdahl’s fundraiser.
"We’ve done it for two years already, this will be the third year. Whatever donations their friends give, I match that amount."
Harder says her kids didn’t always understand why they were giving up birthday gifts, but now they recognize the value of helping others.
"At first, they didn't understand why, but it's a good learning lesson and an opportunity for them to give back."
Harder says it’s especially meaningful for her kids to know they’ve contributed to something that will have a lasting impact in their community. Once the swing is installed, they'll be able to take pride in knowing they played a part in making it happen.
Wikdahl says she’s been especially moved by the involvement of these young donors.
"It's pretty big for kids to give away their money like that. I'm very thankful for the businesses who have donated, of course, but when the kids do it – it's huge! It's tough for young kids to give up their birthday money, but what these kids have done is amazing, and I'm very humbled to see they are giving back to kids who otherwise wouldn't be able to swing," says Wikdahl.
Final push for calendar sales
This weekend, fundraising continues with Wikdahl hoping to sell her remaining cash calendars.
"We will be at Co-op from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday to finish selling the cash calendars. If everything goes well, we won't be there on Sunday, but I have both days booked just in case. I’d really like to see them all gone," says Wikdahl.
The calendars are $5 and each one purchased, offers 31 chances to win prizes throughout the month of May, with winnings ranging from $20 to $500. Once the cash calendars are sold, Wikdahl says the project will be close to reaching its goal.
"I should have enough money to purchase the swing soon. I did speak with the gentleman I’m getting it from, and he said it would be around 8 weeks once I order it."
Vision for a fully inclusive park
The total cost has risen over time, with the swing now priced roughly $15,000 higher than the original 2022 estimate. Despite nearing the fundraising target, Wikdahl isn’t slowing down her efforts. There are plans to add more accessible features throughout Island Park, and any funds raised beyond the cost of the swing will go toward items like pathways, ramps, and additional inclusive equipment.
"There is more accessible equipment that we would like to see at the park.”
Donations can still be made in person at KKWIK Automotive or City Hall. E-transfers are also accepted through payments@city-plap.com — just be sure to specify that the donation is for the Accessible Playground Equipment.
With growing community support, generous local families, and fundraising efforts nearing their goal, the vision of a more inclusive Island Park is closer than ever.
"It will be worth it when it's all said and done!"