Donors keep Barwon RDA galloping forwards

Volunteers at the Barwon Riding for the Disabled Association.

THE Barwon Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) recently held a Donors’ Morning Tea where they were able to thank the supporters of the program and show them what their assistance had achieved.

The Barwon RDA has now been running for 41 years. They provide a free fortnightly riding program for children with disabilities.

Barwon RDA secretary Susan Dodson said the program helped their participants in several ways.

“It improves their self-confidence, their core strength, their balance, muscle tone, social interaction, so there is all sorts of benefits to it.”

There are more than 40 children enrolled in the Barwon RDA’s program.

The donors viewed one of the hour-long sessions the Barwon RDA provides.

They were then shown a new shed and some of the equipment their funds provided. The funds given to the charity also covers the riders’ insurance.

Raising a child with a disability can affect carers much more financially than raising a child without one. The Barwon RDA therefore see it as imperative they can offer families their program for free.

Ms Dodson said this made the financial support they received crucial.

“We can’t function without them basically. We exist on donors.”

The participants vary in their ages and the amount of aid they require, and the association subsequently adapts to meet each of the childrens’ needs.

Supporters of the Barwon RDA include The Give Where You Live Foundation, Geelong Community Foundation, Commonwealth Bank’s Drysdale Branch, Turi Foods, Ocean Grove and Belmont Rotary Clubs, as well as several local op shops and individuals.

Volunteers can assist during lessons, care for and feed horses, aid with fundraising, or even become an RDA coach. People who are interested in volunteering or donating to the Barwon RDA can head to rdav.asn.au/centre/barwon or phone Susan Dodson on 0409 931 384.