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.<\/p>\n
The Wallington-based organisation, which conducts riding sessions at Koombahla Park Equestrian Centre, has received the funding through the Commonwealth Bank Foundation.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll staff members from Commonwealth Bank donate each fortnight out of their pay to the Foundation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are 14,000 staff who donate and this year it\u2019s our 100th anniversary.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe foundation was originally set up to send care packages to Australians fighting in World War I.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo this year each branch has chosen their own local charity to donate $10,000 to, and it\u2019s been nice to put back into our local community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Susan Dodson from the RDA said the money would go towards paying student fees and a new nreception area.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are the only RDA in Australia which doesn\u2019t charge the students, we pay the Victorian fees.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
If you can help, email barwonrda@gmail.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n