The number of disabled and at-risk people able to receive equestrian therapy through Tauranga's Riding for the Disabled (RDA) programmes has increased significantly thanks to the support received from a number of grant-making organisations.
Lottery and the Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS) administered by the Department of Internal Affairs have made significant contributions to the operations at RDA.
"This support has enabled Riding for the Disabled to expand operations and offer equestrian therapy to more disabled and at-risk individuals within the community," Tauranga RDA's CEO, Kat Macmillan said.
"Today more than 300 disabled and at-risk individuals receive equestrian therapy each year at RDA this is up from less than 150 two years ago".
Lottery and COGS are able to fund salaries and operational costs.
This has enabled RDA to employ three part-time coaches as well as provide management to deliver special programmes for clients of organisations such as CAMHS, Canteen, Relationship Services and Child Youth and Family.
It has also provided support for developing links into the community. This has resulted in a sharp increase in philanthropic gifts from individuals, community service groups and businesses.
Other major supporters are Pub Charity, Southern Trust, First Sovereign Trust, Lion Foundation and NZ Community Trust.
The grants from Pub Charities, the Department of Internal Affairs grants schemes, BayTrust, Perry Trust, TECT and Acorn have totalled into the six-figure range, Macmillan said.
"One only has to see the 300 people being helped by the support received, to witness the progress they make through the equestrian therapy programmes to realise just how important is the support we receive from these organisations."
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