RIDING FOR The Disabled is appealing for help to construct a sheltered area to allow year-round riding, after extreme heat means the club has to close for three months.
Riding For The Disabled fundraising coordinator and volunteer Margaret Suanez has started a GoFundMe campaign with the title “Riding For The Disabled need a roof” with the goal of $100,000.
Mrs Suanez said she joined the volunteers at Riding for the Disabled – Tweed Valley back in 2013.
“The current property was donated by the Dunne family for a lease of $1 per year and has been operating since 2006 solely dependent on volunteers and sponsorship from the community,” she said.
Riding for the Disabled provides unique therapy and social interaction for people with disabilities and the joy and improvement it brings cannot be overstated.
“It is magical to watch the children develop, grow and laugh year after year,” Mrs Suanez said.
“But Tweed Valley is situated in a location where the temperatures reach 40 degrees C in summer and the centre must close for three months because of the severe heat.
“It also suffers torrential downpours on days where riding becomes impossible and the days must be cancelled.
“The disappointment is immense when these children look forward to and depend on their one riding day.”
Mrs Suanez said the club needs to achieve all year riding to give as many children the ability to ride as possible.
“To do this we need a roof to cover the arena,” she said.
“We guarantee you that every cent will be spent on erecting a roof so that volunteers and the children can continue to work together, to learn, to improve quality of life, to laugh and to share.
“Every dollar counts. It has been a dream for years to be able to achieve this – so we would be extremely grateful for every dollar.
“Every donation – no matter how big or small – will help change lives. If 100,000 people donated $1 we would be able to make this a reality.
“Of course if you wish to donate $100 or $1000 – we would be forever grateful.
“Please share with your friends and family.”
To find out more or to make a donation please visit www.gofundme.com/riding-for-the-disabled-need-a-roof
