Hope Haven Offers Hope
Posted by John Malloy on 04/29/2011
Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding and Family Centre started therapeutic riding classes with local children and adults with disabilities April 26. CanTRA certified instructors supervise trained volunteers working with clients.
Hope Haven’s clients have a variety of physical, behaviourial, cognitive, emotional or learning challenges which include autism spectrum disorders, Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and spina bifida.
Research has proven horse back riding improves the physical and emotional well-being of riders. The connection with the horses and with the volunteers and staff can bring about amazing improvements in the riders. Non-verbal children have been heard talking to their mounts. Physically disabled children have found riding weekly has helped them learn to walk.
Hope Haven recognizes that disabilities effect the whole family. So family programs are being developed along with summer camp and eventually year-round programs.
All this work is labour intensive with a huge need for volunteers. Each rider needs three volunteers – a lead with two sidewalkers. Volunteers are also need to care for the animals and to look after the property. Administrative, fundraising, special events help and board/committee members are also needed.
A spring clean of the property is planned to Saturday, May 14. An excellent way to check out the facilities, volunteer with Hope Haven, meet new people and enjoy a BBQ appreciation.
Donations of time, in-kind and money are also needed. A not-for-profit organization, Hope Haven’s registered charity status is pending.
hopehavencentre.org
For more information:
Ann Pickles
Communications & Volunteer Manager
519-986-4514 or 226-668-0020
apickles@hopehavencentre.org
info@hopehavencentre.org
Posted by
John Malloy on 04/29/2011. Filed under
Collingwood,
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