The Kaipara property sold for more than $1.2 million, the proceeds of which will go to the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association. Photo / Harcourts
The Kaipara property sold for more than $1.2 million, the proceeds of which will go to the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association. Photo / Harcourts
An elderly Mahurangi couple are gifting the proceeds from the sale of their home to an equine therapy foundation for the disabled in a record charity sale.
Donor Lindsay Kirby has owned 559 Old Kaipara Rd since the 1980s, when she purchased the section as a future retirement section forher and her husband, Mark.
Getting on in age and with no children of their own, the couple have now decided to sell the three-bedroom house and gift the proceeds to the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association (NZRDA).
The charity will now be netting a cool $1.2 million from the Kirbys’ philanthropy.
Harcourts North Rodney agent Tim Alexander was responsible for the sale. “The sale figure was $1,234,567, believe it or not. So that’s, um, that’s a headline in of itself”, he said.
He told the Herald the huge donation was particularly significant because most charity sales donate profits rather than the entire proceeds.
“It’s probably going to be one of the larger donations that we’ve seen in recent years to a charity like that, and I think the largest donation Riding for the Disabled’s ever gotten.”
The Kaipara property sold for more than $1.2 million, the proceeds of which will go to the Riding for the Disabled. Photo / Harcourts
NZRDA chief executive Donna Kennedy said while the charity was grateful for donations of all sizes, the Kirbys’ gift “means a great deal”.
“Support like this gives us the confidence to look ahead and continue delivering programmes that make a real difference in the lives of our riders.”
The charity has more than 40 branches across the country, supporting about 3000 disabled people to participate in therapeutic horse riding.
Mainly organised by volunteers, regional chapters develop tailored plans for each rider, helping them to build “confidence, independence and a sense of belonging that carries through into their everyday lives”.
“For families, that might look like a child who once struggled to engage now sitting tall, communicating more clearly, and participating more confidently at school and at home. Those are the outcomes this kind of support makes possible and why gifts like this matter so much.”
Kennedy said the sum will help the organisation deliver high-quality programmes and carry out essential behind-the-scenes work like training and development.
She will be attending a small handover ceremony at the property this month to commemorate the occasion, where attendees will raise a toast to the Mahurangi local.
“Along the way, we’ve had the opportunity to get to know Lindsay, gaining a real appreciation for her passion for horses and her belief in creating more equitable access to the joy and therapeutic benefits of horse riding for disabled people.”
The charity supports local chapters across the country, with more than 3000 riders. Photo / NZ Herald
Bil, a family member of Lindsay’s who holds her Enduring Power of Attorney, said the “action-girl” had been a member of the Mahurangi community since her 30s.
“As her EPOA, it has been my pleasure to carry out her wishes and to forward the donation to a charity that she knew to be strapped for funds.”
The couple had lived at 559 Old Kaipara Rd since three years ago, when Lindsay suffered a fall on the farmland of her family’s Rodmersham homestead.
She is currently in Waikato Hospital, while husband Mark is relocating to a local retirement village.
“Lindsay was very much a horse person and bred eventers right up to world-class standards. She kept many horses and enjoyed supporting pony clubs in the local area”, Bil said.
“Oftentimes she said she would like to support riding as a learning experience and especially among the handicapped.”
While the nearly 90-year-old will not join the celebrations thanks to her declining health, she will be represented by Mark, Bil and Tim on the special day.
