Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), a charity that delivers therapy and enjoyment to people with disabilities through riding and carriage driving, will be receiving a near £30,000 donation from rural retailer Countrywide.
The donation follows a series of summer events, including in-store fund raising weekends at 44 stores which contributed £4,055, with customers and staff joining in a range of activities from fancy dress and face painting to raffles and collections.
Gary Wharmby, Countrywide’s Retail Director explains,
“RDA really is a charity after our own heart. As rural retailers we are closely involved with, and support, our local communities. Many of our customers and staff are horse owners and we know well the amazing results that RDA achieves. In fact, we are delighted that the RDA has just been announced as our ‘Charity of the Year’ for the third year running.”
Funds were also raised for the RDA at Countrywide’s Supplier Conference and Charity Golf Day in May attended by 146 of its key suppliers.
“We held a golf competition, a raffle and an auction with some very generous donations from suppliers and our Board of Directors,” explains John Hardman, Countrywide Chief Executive. “Prizes such as a two day pheasant shoot at Bowood Estate, two tickets for the Cartier Polo, a 4 ball at Bowood Golf Course, a case or burgundy wine and a trip in a hot air balloon attracted lively bidding. Together with some donations on the day, we raised just under £14,200.”
The RDA Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot on June 7th, sponsored by Countrywide, also raised £7000 with an ‘auction of promises’ and a raffle.
Founded in 1969, RDA now has 500 volunteer groups across the UK, allowing more than 28,000 adults and children with disabilities to enjoy the therapeutic benefits – and fun – of horse riding or carriage driving. However, even with at least 18,000 volunteers, and 3,100 horses, RDA would still like to be able to offer opportunities to more people in more rural and urban areas.
Ed Bracher, Chief Executive of RDA concludes,
“Countrywide’s support of RDA has been outstanding and to learn that we will be their Charity of the Year again is great news. We would like to thank staff and customers for the tremendous effort that raising such an amount in just a few months must have taken. It is greatly appreciated. This, and their continued support, will enable more disabled people to benefit from the therapy and fun that equine activities undoubtedly provide.”
