PUSLINCH – Robert Milburn received the Paul Harris Fellow award at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre’s annual signature fundraiser Celebrate Sunrise on June 23.
Milburn, of Milburn Auto Sales and Service in Aberfoyle, is also an auctioneer and over many years has raised millions of dollars to support Sunrise, Guelph Rotary clubs, Guelph General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and numerous other community organizations.
Helmuth Slisarenko, from the Rotary Club of Guelph, and Shelley Adlington, president of Guelph South Rotary Club, presented this prestigious award.
Sunrise was honoured to host this well-deserved Rotary recognition for Milburn, who has willingly stepped up to donate his phenomenal skills for Guelph community events for so many years, organizers state in a press release.
“The event was well attended and there were some great silent auction items for guests to compete for, including several beautifully handcrafted wooden bowls donated by a local artisan,” organizers add.
And Milburn took the live auction to a new level, they stated.
An unexpected highlight for Sunrise was the return of one of its former riders, Jordan Tucker, who had moved on from riding a horse independently, to becoming a competitive swimmer in the butterfly stroke.
Her swimming skills have taken her from a regional team, through provincial, to representing Canada on the national swim team.
Tucker had just returned from Chile, where her team won a bronze medal in the 50 metre butterfly.
“The board of directors, staff, volunteers, parents and riders greatly appreciate all the local businesses, and individuals who sponsored the Celebrate Sunrise event this year, and those who provided the many auction items and professional services; and of course, those who opened their hearts to Sunrise and bid so generously,” the press release states.
The fundraiser cleared $120,000, which will go directly to support the many year-round programs at the farm, for children and adults with disabilities.
