Horseshoes-For-Hope
The Horseshoes-For-Hope (H4H) Annual Campaign brings light and hope to the many participants at WindReach Farm. Since it’s conception in 2015, we have placed over 250 donor recognized horseshoes on our bridge, raising significant funds to support the programs and services provided by WindReach Farm. In fact, we are looking to build a new bridge because we are running out of room!
We are excited that our riding program is operating again at near capacity as well as our adult day program Learning-4-Life, however, we continue to be challenged due to the impact of the pandemic, to reach capacity in other programs. In addition, many costs of operating the Farm have increased. Your support of this campaign is more critical than ever.
Our Bridge of Hope symbolizes the uniqueness of every one of our participants and our donors. Below is the story from Alison a parent of one of our riders, James Wilson, in her own words.
I'd like to tell you a little about my son, James, who is six years old and in grade one. He was prematurely born at 28 weeks and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 13 months old. He uses a wheelchair and a walker. He also uses a communication device known as his "talker". James has a busy therapy schedule including physiotherapy, occupational, speech, and massage therapy. These appointments fill his schedule and leave little time and funds for recreation activities.
James was just 2.5 years old when he started riding at WindReach and he loved it right from the start. There are many therapeutic benefits of horseback riding but the difference with this therapy, is that it’s also a great recreation activity for James. This is huge for him and for us as parents watching too. James instantly giggled when he rode Max for the first time. It was a new experience that brought him so much joy, and still does!
The therapeutic riding staff and volunteers at WindReach are amazing with James. They are friendly, personable and make James feel safe and comfortable. They also challenge James, helping him gain core strength. We have definitely noticed the difference in how tall James can sit up unassisted since participating in the therapeutic riding program. It's also important to mention the therapeutic benefits that connecting with animals has. It's very sweet to see the connection between James and his horse. It's an unspoken bond!
Being out in nature and riding in the beautiful property of WindReach is also very therapeutic for not only James but us as a family. It's a calming place for us all. We enjoy walking the path and saying hello to the horses and taking in all the sounds of the farm. We look forward to Saturday's at WindReach and will continue to for many years to come!
I hope you'll consider supporting WindReach's Horseshoes for Hope campaign. Families with children with disabilities face many barriers; one of the major ones is finances for funds needed for home accessibility, therapies, equipment and much more. The therapeutic riding program has been kept at a reasonable cost for participants which is really appreciated and made possible by donors like you.
I hope reading James' story will inspire you to continue to support this amazing program. If you'd like to learn more about James, feel free to visit our blog at www.journeywithjamesmichael.ca.
Thank you, Alison
Help us continue to be the light for all of our participants with your horseshoe today.
There are four levels of donations $100, $500, $1,000 and $1,500 which offer a special opportunity to have your name on a horseshoe that will be proudly displayed on the WindReach Farm Bridge of Hope.
Just click on the link to donate and make sure you enter the name you would like to see on your horseshoe.
Thank you for your support. The light at WindReach Farm shines bright and strong and will be a guiding light for the people we serve.
Together, with your continued support through the Horseshoes-For-Hope campaign, we can help ensure that WindReach will be here for years to come.
Sincerely,
Harry Worsley, Chair
Board of Directors
