Celebrate Sunrise, one of the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Centre’s main fundraisers, was held on June 22, welcoming many donors and supporters who were joined by Mayor Doug Craig from the city of Cambridge and several local city and township councillors.
A therapeutic riding lesson was demonstrated by Lauren (age 8) riding Petey, Colin (age 4) riding Daisy and Bronte (age 3) riding Pixie.
This was followed by a “musical ride” to music from The Lion King with Melissa on Shadow, Jenny on Bailey, Jacalyn on Luke and Haley on Rolex.
As she illustrated high points of the centre’s history, Sunrise executive director Ann Caine commented that Sunrise Equestrian is now 32 years old.
The centre came to the current location in Puslinch in 1996, “and we’ve seen a tremendous growth in our programs since we’ve been on our own property and indoor riding facility which allows programs to operate year-round.”
The centre is registered with the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association and Caine added that all the Sunrise instructors are certified.
In addition, the centre acts as a training school for Canada and around the world.
“We are really proud of that because we are able to help people become certified and start a similar program in their own community.”
Caine added, “this program is absolutely amazing. Some of these children have been in therapy since birth.”
She explained while having therapy every week can be pretty boring, “when you can come and meet a horse, it’s a very, very different therapy session. Children naturally bond with animals.”
Caine stressed it is not just the riding of the horse, “but think of the empowerment of a three-year-old getting on a horse.”
Hunter said, “it is without a doubt the most rewarding charitable organization I have ever been with and we count on you and these fundraising events so much.”
He said, “There is nothing more rewarding than the times I have been here to see a small child get on a horse and the smiles on that child’s face are absolutely remarkable.”
Retiring board members Dr. Laura Frost and Scott vanEngen were honoured by Sunrise president Donna Christie.
Honorary director Tommy Hunter, CMO Ontario, presented an appreciation plaque to Geoff Stevens of Capital Paving, for the ongoing maintenance of the farm laneway.
Hunter also presented a plaque to Robert Sicard, president and CEO of UPI Energy LP, and the two unveiled a company sign sponsoring the building of the arena extension.
That extension allowed for the creation of a new closed-off mounting area.
Robert Milburn of Milburn’s Auto Sales and Service was the auctioneer, encouraging the many guests to open their wallets to support the hundreds of children and adults with special needs in the Sunrise programs. This, together with the silent auction, sponsorships and many donations, managed to raise an amazing $37,000 for the centre.
Included in the total is a donation of $5,000 from Grant Ford of McDonald’s Restaurants of Guelph from McHappy Day proceeds and an additional $5,000 from the Guelph Wish Fund for Children.
