Editorial: Amazing trust needs our help

Ros Rowe of the Leg-Up Trust.

There are some people for whom the work they do is not just a job, it is a calling and a passion.

Very often these people are in roles where they help those in need and provide a service to the community.

One such person is Ros Rowe of the Leg-Up Trust, which works with disadvantaged youth who suffer social, behavioural or emotional problems by teaching them horse riding and equine care.

The Leg-Up Trust has been around for 14 years and Mrs Rowe is well known in our community for the amazing work she does.

Just last month, the Leg-Up Trust received a civic award from Hastings District Council.

So, it was with sadness that we reported in yesterday's paper that funding won't be available for the new school term.

The trust had to consider canning the programme for troubled children referred by Social Workers in Schools, a Government initiative run by non-profit agency Family Works, but Ms Rowe and the trust have decided to carry on with the programme.

They would worry about funds later.

Apparently there are several "outside" programmes utilised by Social Workers in Schools that will be hit by departmental funding cuts.

I don't know what the other programmes are, but it is a shame that the Leg-Up Trust, which has such a positive effect on the lives of troubled youngsters, will be affected in this way.

Ms Rowe has decided that she cannot let the children down and it is now up to us as a community to support the Leg-Up Trust.

Donations can be given through the Leg-Up Trust's Givealittle page (www.givealittle.co.nz/org/bennyboy) or sent to them at Leg-Up Trust, PO Box 8869, Havelock North 4157.