MAKE-A-WISH: Organization lets politics get in the way

In reference to your article about the Make-a-Wish Foundation in yesterday’s CDA Press. They do good work as long as a child’s wish does not conflict with their politics and/or corporate sponsors.

From their wikipedia.org page:

“Make-A-Wish stopped granting wishes involving hunting-related activities, including fishing, use of firearms or other weapons that are designed to cause animal injury in 1996. This was largely due to concerns over child safety, the pressure from animal-sensitive donors, and criticisms from animal rights groups.”

It seems sad to me that an organization that is dedicated to doing wonderful things for kids allows their corporate politics and prejudices to keep kids from having a wish fulfilled.

Hunting, fishing, shooting a round of skeet, trap or sporting clays or visiting a local gun range are pretty common occurrences here in this sportsman’s paradise we call home.

Fortunately, this shortsightedness led to the formation of a group right here in the Inland North West, the Wishing Star Foundation. That might be a better place to send your donations.

DWIGHT VAN HORN, Board of Directors

National Rifle Association

Kootenai County