A Valentine’s hope for horses

RUIMSIG – South African Riding for the Disabled Centre (Sarda) Gauteng held their first Valentine’s Day coffee morning to raise awareness about their work.

Visitors were spoilt with coffee and sweet and savoury treats, while they could have their photograph taken, free of charge, at a photo booth, pet the horses or watch the therapy riding take place.

Branch secretary Nicole Christie explained it was a morning for the community to see who Sarda Gauteng is, what they do and who they assist. The centre assists children with ADHD, ADD, autism, cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Therapy riding on the horses boosts the children’s self-image, communication and builds, stretches and relaxes muscles among other benefits.

Sarda Gauteng fundraiser Julia Morris spoke to those present about the centre’s main needs. She noted the centre accommodates 10 schools in a week, which is about 100 children. Morris challenged everyone to talk about Sarda Gauteng to create awareness and promote sponsorship. Their aim is to have every horse’s needs sponsored and have a solid and secure financial base throughout the year.

Additionally, Sarda Gauteng is in need of volunteers to help the children with their therapy in the mornings. This would include leading the horse or walking next to a horse to support a child. Volunteers are needed from Monday to Friday between 9am and 10am and 10.30am to 11am.

Sarda Gauteng thanked their many sponsors, without which the coffee morning could not have happened. A Tupperware hamper was sponsored by long-time supporter Sue Parsons, for a raffle. Hirsch’s Struben’s Valley staff sponsored and manned the coffee station, and the owner of Atomic Images, Bianca Yiannakou, took photo mementoes of visitors.

Sarda Gauteng also ran their own memento stall where they encouraged visitors to donate and sign up to be a sponsor.

“We normally have two coffee mornings a year so individuals can take a look on a facebook page and website for upcoming events,” said Christie.

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