Schoolchildren from Charter College were fizzing with excitement when passionate volunteers from the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (Sarda) brought ponies to the school as everyone celebrated Tekkie Tax Day on 26 May.
The event was an opportunity for the excited children to learn about horse riding and interact with the ponies.
Thirteen-year-old Clarice Claassens defied her allergy for horses when she saw the two friendly ponies from Sarda. Claassens, a former young horse rider, told the Roodepoort Northsider that she had to keep her distance from horses after falling ill. “I had my own horse and used to do a lot of horse riding about four years ago but I had to stop because of an allergy towards the animal,” said the Grade 8 schoolgirl, who interacted with the ponies with her peer, Thato Modimoeng.
Tekkie Tax Day’s event organiser, Julia Morris was left impressed with the support from the school. All children and academic staff supported the campaign by buying their stickers.
“The reception from the school was fantastic. The school always supports us. It’s wonderful bringing the horses here because [they] have more of an impact than I can ever have just talking,” said Morris.
READ: Sarda celebrates Tekkie Tax Day
She then highlighted the mission behind the entire campaign.
“Tekkie Tax Day is a nationwide campaign that supports five different sectors – animals, bringing hope to families, children and people with disabilities, and education.
“Sarda Gauteng at the Earth Centre has supported the animals because they provide therapy for the children who have a disability,”
The two organisations have been working together on this awesome fundraising initiative for the past five years.
ALSO READ: Families create awesome bonds with horses
Morris also urged residents to keep supporting their campaigns. She said, “Children or people can buy our stickers for R10 each or the set of laces with beads to funk up their step for R35 each.”
Details: Sarda 011 958 5044; Tekkie Tax Day 012 663 8181.
