Sarda is putting the Able back in Disabled for children with special needs.

More than 30 pupils from the Getaway School for the Disabled were treated to goodie packs and wonderful animal interaction on 5 September, by the staff at SA riding for the Disabled Association (Sarda) along with the ladies from Pick ‘n Pay.

In celebration of Casual Day, Pick ‘n Pay supply chain in Long Meadow handed out party packs to do their bit for disabled children.

“We are handing out gifts and food and sweets packs for the kids and we are just trying to do our bit for the disabled on Casual Day. We are also going to the Gateway School later on to hand out stationery packs for the children there” says spokesperson Cathy du Plessis.

Sarda has been operating for 30 years, providing therapy and riding sessions for physically and disabled children and adults.
A non-government and non-profit organisation, it has relied solely on donations and volunteers for the daily upkeep of the horses and donkeys at the stables.
Sarda’s branch secretary in Gauteng Julia Morris says, “We have nine schools that ride with us throughout the week. The horses are very therapeutic because they provide physical and mental stimulation for the children. We rely solely on funding from the community and businesses to assist with the daily maintenance of the place and the animals”.

The pupils from Gateway were provided with non-riding therapy that allowed them to pat and touch the horses and donkeys.
Alta Fischer, an occupational therapist at the schools, helps the children gain independence with their daily tasks. She provides training and assistance suited to their physical, emotional and social abilities.
“The children don’t get a lot of exposure when they are at school, this is just nice for them to interact with the animals and experience the calming affect of the horses. This provides therapeutic benefits for their social and emotional abilities.”

The day may have been to celebrate the little ones, but Pick ‘n Pay recognises the numbers of caregivers who give their time and patience to loving and taking care of children with special needs.
Dozens of caregivers and teachers received tokens of appreciation in the form of flower wreaths, which they proudly wore around their necks.
Debbie Picket, a teacher at the Gateway School, added that “Any outing is fun for the children. Especially, when they get spoiled with food and attention and the autistic children love animals. It is incredibly wonderful of Pick ‘n Pay to help out the way they have.”

Details: Sarda branch secretary Julia Morris 082 898 4440.