In his most famous song, The Rainbow Connection, Kermit the Frog asked, "Who said that every wish would be heard and answered when wished on the morning star?"

Well, another Kermit, this one a charity lamb that was raised by members of the Airdrie 4-H Beef and Sheep Club and sold at auction, answered that question and also the wishes of many children and families who are dealing with cerebral palsy (CP) through their Charity Lamb Project.

Amy Nielsen, Club Reporter for the Airdrie Beef & Sheep Club tells Discover Airdrie that this year it was their turn to raise the Charity Lamb which is raised by a different club in the Calgary 4-H Region each year.  According to Amy, the lamb is raised by the club and then sold with proceeds going to the charity of the club's choice.  The Airdrie club voted on which charity they'd support and decided to donate the funds raised by the Charity Lamb project to CP Kids and Families.  The organization helps families navigate the medically complex journey of cerebral palsy which can affect speech, vision, cognitive function and mobility in children. 

CP Kids and Families is a passionate group of parents who have children affected by cerebral palsy and offer support, hope, resources and opportunities. Their program is so successful it now includes children with other disabilities such as down syndrome and autism.  The Airdrie Beef and  Sheep Club has an honorary member who is personally affected by CP.  Tyler Oldale, along with his sisters and brother fed and cared for Kermit the lamb.  
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To help spread the word about the project, and to raise donations, club members set up a table at both the Crossfield Farmer’s Market and the Airdrie Farmer’s Market.  The club's six to nine-year-old members, known as Cleavers, also contributed to the project by decorating birdhouses that 
were sold at 4-H on Parade. 

Kermit was auctioned off on the final day of the 4-H on Parade regional show and sale. Amy says the support for the project which came forward from the community was both incredible and heartwarming to see.  The Charity Lamb was sold once, then turned back in to be re-auctioned over and over again.  At the bidding's end, six buyers were involved and had raised an amazing $24,910.75, which was presented to CP Kids and Families at the club's Awards Banquet on June 17th.  

Amy says all the club members were extremely proud of the donation they were able to give CP Kids and Families.  They were recognized for their contribution by the Airdrie Pro Rodeo committee who invited club members to ride on their float in the Airdrie Canada Day Parade and to be recognized at the Airdrie Pro Rodeo.  

It all came about through a lamb named Kermit, and the incredible work of the Airdrie 4-H Beef and Sheep Club.   

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