Sarda hosts successful Pop-in Day
Sarda showcases some of the facility's programmes at the Earth Centre.
Active sponsors and supporters of the South African Riding for the Disabled (Sarda) were treated to an early-morning breakfast aimed at showcasing some of the facility’s programmes.
Dubbed Pop-in Day, the sponsors popped into the Earth Centre on 21 February to enjoy the morning and support the little ones who were doing their equestrian therapy sessions.
There were a riding school session by West Rand School and The Johannesburg Hospital School (both institutions cater for physically and mentally challenged children), an overview of riding sessions, the mutually beneficial link between natural living and therapy riding, and a brief explanation of the benefits of therapeutic riding for children with autism. All of these were coordinated by the facility’s staff.
The sponsors included volunteers from Monash South Africa, Hirsch’s Strubens Valley, Floral Affairs Club and Superspar Ruimsig that donated food items for the event.
“Basically since I started at Spar we’ve tried to assist where we can because it’s contributing to a worthy cause that the kids enjoy,” said Superspar Ruimsig manager Stephan Snyman.Monash community engagement staff member Brian Maphatswana said Monash has been involved with Sarda for a long time and he became involved late in 2016.
“I got actively involved with Sarda through a charity event that they held in Muldersdrift. There I decided to assist with the continued partnership on Tekkie Tax Day in May,” he explained.
Earth Centre fundraiser, Julia Morris said they try to get local retailers and community members involved in their day-to-day activities and events.
Morris said they need inexperienced volunteers to help with therapy sessions, and sponsorship for ponies. “Organisation such as Floral Affairs sponsored one of our equine therapists. All our therapists are available for sponsorship, which currently is R26 000 a year, or R13 000 a year for a miniature donkey,” she explained.
She added Sarda needs financial assistance on a monthly basis. “Our monthly expenses are currently R180 000,” she said.
To find out how you can help, contact the Earth Centre on 011 958 5044 or email info@earthcentre.org.za.
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