Volunteers happy as horses about $10,000 funding

RIDING Develops Abilities aims to build a new reception area and continue funding students who take part in its program thanks to a $10,000 grant.

The Wallington-based organisation, which conducts riding sessions at Koombahla Park Equestrian Centre, has received the funding through the Commonwealth Bank Foundation.

Commonwealth Bank Drysdale branch manager Ian Jervies said his branch chose to fund the RDA because of its hard work, and the advantages the program offered local youth and students.

“All staff members from Commonwealth Bank donate each fortnight out of their pay to the Foundation.

“There are 14,000 staff who donate and this year it’s our 100th anniversary.

“The foundation was originally set up to send care packages to Australians fighting in World War I.

“So this year each branch has chosen their own local charity to donate $10,000 to, and it’s been nice to put back into our local community.”

Susan Dodson from the RDA said the money would go towards paying student fees and a new nreception area.

“We are the only RDA in Australia which doesn’t charge the students, we pay the Victorian fees.

“We are also hoping to build another reception area, so hoping to make it more welcoming, and sometimes we need specialised equipment, like saddles that need to be made.”

The RDA enables people with disabilities throughout Victoria to experience enjoyment, challenge and a sense of achievement through participation in equestrian activities to improve their quality of life, attain personal goals and develop life skills.

The RDA, which has students take part from Drysdale Primary School, Leopold, Surfside, Newcomb Secondary College, St Josephs and St Francis Xavier, is looking for more volunteers on a Friday morning.

If you can help, email [email protected].