Sarda’s future a little brighter

With no regular funding and an annual cost of up to R480 000 to keep the non-profit organisation afloat, the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (Sarda), at its annual meeting, announced there is some light at the end of the tunnel. However that light needs to be brighter.

Running since 1984 in Gauteng, Sarda gives disabled people of all ages the opportunity to experience therapeutic and recreational horse riding.

According to Sarda treasurer Pam Henderson’s report, an increase of R200 000 was received during the last year, totalling R640 000 in donations so far.

The contributers were:

• Mary Slack and Daughters Foundation
• An anonymous overseas donor
• Kyalami Round Table
• Honeydew Merlin Rotary Club
• Kathleen Bush Foundation
• PA Joffe

Fundraising events that contributed were:

• Gold Day
• Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge
• My School
•  Open Day

The NGO’s main expenses remain salaries and wages (totalling R334,00), horse feed, bedding, supplements, insurance, security, property maintenance, and office costs.

A independent non-profit organisation is to be formed – Earth (Equine Assisted Riding Therapy and Healing) – aimed at creating greater use of the centre and reaching out to the community.

It will provide necessary funding for Sarda and several therapies aimed at the elderly, the infirm and the frail, as well as an early childhood development programme for able-bodied pre-schoolers, natural horsemanship sessions and corporate development and leadership programmes.

Although Sarda has had many donations the institution is still experiencing financial instability.

A total of 112 disabled individuals come to Sarda every week to take riding lessons.

Sarda’s next open day will be on 19 October.