After spending the weekend with their families in Michigan, Ron Wrenn Jr. and Jason Merriman hit the road back to Ohio at 4 a.m. to spread some good cheer Monday morning (December 22).

Joined by Kurt Sugg, his wife Becky and children Brandon, Kiersten and Kaitlyn, the trio of Northfield Park drivers suited up in their colours and dispersed nearly $3,000 worth of toys, electronics, movies, CDs and gift cards among those at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital.

The gifts were all gathered within five days through donations from not only Northfield Park horsemen, but of those in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida, plus individuals that called to give after simply reading of the fundraiser.

Heather Miller, an employee of the clinic and longtime horsewoman, helped arrange the visit. The donations will be dispersed and used throughout the year at the hospital's many campuses.

The hospital cares for children who range in age of a few months to 18 years old with various medical issues. Many were confined to ventilators, wheelchairs or their beds, but none of them were hampered by the ability to smile as Merriman, Sugg and Wrenn entered the room.

Spending a few minutes with each child and posing for pictures was an obvious honour for the men who more than willingly gave of their time and resources.

“As much as it may have brought joy to the kids, it brings me much more,” said Sugg.

Future charitable acts are being planned for horsemen and horsewomen, plus their families. Those under consideration are volunteering at the Akron Food Bank and Haven of Rest Ministries.

(Amy Hollar)