Staff
On Tuesday, August 27, local MPP Bill Walker and Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer Loretta Dunn met with representatives and riders in Markdale at the Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre.
While there, they had the opportunity to see how a two year, $288,600 Grow grant given to the group in 2017 has made an impact on the Saddle Up for Success school program. The grant was awarded to help expand a riding and wellness program designed for elementary and secondary school students with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities.
“This grant is an investment in the positive development of our children and youth which will help improve emotional and social skills, while positively impacting the lives of the children and their families as well as the multiple volunteers involved in this very valuable asset. Thank you to all involved who made this project a reality,” said Bill Walker, MPP- Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.
Funds have been used by the popular organization to continue building on this program and enabling more young people to become involved. Funds from the grant were used to help with staffing costs, the purchase of four therapy horses, feed and tack for new horses, veterinary services, and building an accessible washroom in the arena barn.
“The OTF grant to support Saddle Up for Success has made a significant impact on our ability to build a sustainable program infrastructure, allowing us to support hundreds of elementary and secondary school students dealing with emotional, cognitive and/or physical challenges in the years to come,” said Benoit Dube, Executive Director, Hope Haven.
For details about Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre, visit www.hopehavencentre.org
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $108 million to 629 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities.
