Volunteers and pony sponsors needed for SARDA
SARDA is looking for more volunteers.
THE South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) Durban branch is looking for volunteers and pony sponsors to help with the increasing number of children who are benefiting from the vital service they offer.
Besides the uncovered arena, which allows for riding throughout the week whatever the weather, the arena surface has just been upgraded thanks to a National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) grant, making for a more user-friendly and pleasurable experience for the children and ponies.
The specially trained, bombproof ponies are vital, and without them the programme would not be possible, but they cost money to stable and feed. Two of the ponies, Jolly Jammer and Tigger, are sponsored by Gold Circle and Vodacom respectively, but there are other ponies still looking for sponsorship.
“Without the ponies the unique therapeutic riding programme could not be made available to the school groups of children with special needs,” said Linda Wilson, a volunteer at SARDA.
Volunteers who assist with leading the ponies and side walkers who help the children maintain their balance and ensure the safety of the children are also an essential ingredient.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering or offering pony sponsorship can contact SARDA at durban@sarda.co.za.
