“This year, we celebrate our 35th year of granting wishes for children in Hampton Roads and throughout the state of Virginia, and we will soon reach the milestone of 5,500 local, life-changing wishes granted. “We know that the joy of a wish provides children battling critical illnesses the strength they need to continue their battles for health, hope for the future, and gives them a piece of their childhood back,” said Sheri Lambert, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia. “Whether supporting children like Anna who face medical hardship through our Chartway Promise Foundation, donating to disaster response organizations during times of crisis, offering free financial wellness programs, or helping tomorrow’s leaders through our collegiate scholarship programs, we’re proud to do it. “Our credit union is dedicated to unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive – and a commitment to our communities is a vital part of that mission,” said Brian Schools, Chartway’s president & CEO. Throughout her difficult journey with cancer, dreaming of being a zookeeper has brought her the priceless gift of hope.” “We’re thrilled to do just that for Anna. “The Chartway Promise Foundation, Chartway's charitable arm, strengthens communities by partnering with companion charities, sponsors, and contributors to provide the financial support needed to make dreams and wishes come to life for children facing medical challenges,” said Karen Lane, executive director. The event took place at the Chartway branch located in the Harbour View neighborhood in Suffolk, VA. I knew I had to bring my sisters with me this visit.Suffolk, VA (June 6, 2022) – The Chartway Promise Foundation – the charitable arm of Chartway Credit Union – and Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia surprised 12-year-old Anna who has bravely faced cancer since 2018 with the news that her wish to be a zookeeper for cheetahs at San Diego Safari Park is going to be granted thanks to funds from the Chartway Promise Foundation given to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia. "There is nothing like this where I live and it's simply wonderful. "Coming here was certainly on my to-do list during this holiday," Alderage said. My son has been this park's biggest advertiser because he tells everyone about it."Ĭharlotte Alderage spread the word about her visit to Virginia Safari Park two years ago all the way to her home in Birmingham, England, and brought her two sisters to the park last week while they were visiting relatives in Richmond. "He has been wanting to bring his sister and grandmother here ever since he came here so we took a road trip to bring them here. "His school took a trip to the zoo in Asheboro (North Carolina) last year and he said there was no comparison," Farthing said. Farthing said the experience "raised the bar" for his son on a trip to the zoo. "Other than that they're the same creatures."įarthing brought his 7-year-old son, Colt, to the park last year when the two were traveling through the area. "The only difference I see is that the monkeys don't fall as much," Farthing said, laughing. Joel Farthing, of Boone, North Carolina, joked about the similarities he saw between his children and the spider monkeys they were watching on a recent Wednesday afternoon. Friedel said the birds - which guests can feed with special "budgie sticks " - are among the most popular attractions with children. In addition to the drive-through safari, the park also has a 10-acre walk-through area that includes a petting zoo with pygmy goats and baby llamas habitats housing African penguins, anteaters, Bengal tigers, wolves, kangaroos and a variety of snakes and lizards and a free-flight aviary that houses more than 600 budgies from Australia. "We have to know which of them kick, bite or spit," she said. "We have to know each of them and count them every day to make sure everyone is doing OK and are accounted for."įriedel said familiarity with the animals also comes in handy when staff have to vaccinate the park's 2,000 inhabitants. "All of our animals have names except for the deer because there are so many of them," Friedel said. "They know who works here and who is visiting the park." Friedel said the park's 50 employees know the individual animals as well as the animals know them. "When they see our work trucks, they ignore us," Friedel said. Friedel said the animals that do opt for additional food have learned which vehicles to approach.
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