More kids with a disability will get to experience the thrill of horse riding after Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Barwon received a $10,000 grant from Give Where You Live Foundation.
The grant was one 15 of given to local community organisations through Give Where You Live’s 2023 Survive & Thrive grant round.
The funding, made possible by the generosity of the Geelong community and Give Where You Live Platinum Partner the TAC, will enable the Wallington-based RDA Barwon to provide riding lessons to young people in the community who may otherwise not be able to afford them.
Rebecca Lapidus, an integration aide at Wallington Primary School who supports students to access RDA’s fortnightly riding lessons, said the program offers many benefits to the children.
“We see so much growth and so much happiness in the students,” she said.
“Many of the students were initially very scared of getting on the horses, but over the past years we have seen a growth in all of them.
“They have increased confidence, language skills, they are able to discuss what they do with their parents and teachers. It brings such a sense of community to them as well.”
Give Where You Live chief executive Bill Mithen said the foundation was very proud to provide RDA with the $10,000 grant.
“As the cost of living continues to increase, we know those families who care for a child with a disability are under increased financial pressure, with many finding it challenging to fund the necessary support for their children,” he said.
“This funding will support young people with a disability or who are experiencing social isolation and could not otherwise afford to access riding lessons.”