Sarda thankful for major sponsorship
A grateful Julia Morris, Sarda’s fundraiser said donations normally go towards the various running costs of the facility which are between R160 000 and R180 000 a month.
The daily equine therapy sessions conducted by the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (Sarda) at the Earth Centre are expected to continue running smoothly for a prolonged period.
This follows the injection of R25 000 into the Ruimsig-based organisation which Sarda’s Earth Centre manager, Katrina Evans, said will go towards sponsoring Sherry, a horse that works mainly with cerebral palsied children, and assist with running costs of the facility.
This NGO, which uses horses to develop communication with children with disabilities, among other things, was recognised by FLSmidth, an international mining engineering company, for the work they do in the community.
“We chose them because of the way the horses provide physical stimulation, improvement in balance and coordination, self-esteem, independence and communication especially for people with cerebral palsy,” said Charl Drury, FLSmidth South Africa’s chief financial and operations officer, who handed over the cheque at their Constantia Kloof office.
Charl explained that the company hosts an annual golf day, at which the company entertains its customers and suppliers.
“Every year we have a golf day at Randburg Golf Club. As part of the golf day, we have a competition to raise funds for charity. For the past 4 years we’ve been donating the proceeds to Sarda,” said Charl.
A grateful Julia Morris, Sarda’s fundraiser said donations normally go towards the various running costs of the facility which are between R160 000 and R180 000 a month, but this time, the Earth Centre (Equine Assisted Riding Therapy and Hope), a Sarda Gauteng-inspired programme, will be getting a bigger slice of the cheque, saying, “The funds would sponsor a pony for a year.”
Julia went on to say that several other equine therapists are also available for sponsorship. “You can choose to sponsor our equine therapists – we have 19, including our two miniature donkeys that are used for non-riding equine interaction for people with contra-indications, or who are too frail or afraid to ride,” she explained.
She also hailed FLSmidth for their immeasurable support for Sarda’s fundraising initiatives. “This company has also assisted us in the Tekkie Tax fundraising campaign which is a nationwide fundraising campaign,” she concluded.
Visit www.earthcentre.org.za or call Julia Morris on 011 985 5044 or 082 898 4440 to find out how you can help.
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