PUSLINCH — On June 25, Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre hosted its annual fundraising event, “Celebrate Sunrise.”
The event was located at the registered Canadian charity’s farm in Puslinch.
At the event, a promotional video was shown that focused on young adults with special needs from the Sunrise life skills program.
Collectively, live and silent auctions at the fundraiser made close to $70,000. These funds will support Sunrise programs that have been helping children and adults with special needs for the past 40 years.
Guest speaker and MC, Jeff Tiessen, lost both his arms in an electrical accident at the age of 11. He presented ribbons to four young riders with disabilities from this year’s musical ride.
Tiessen is a Paralympic champion and record holder in the 400-metre event, as well as a husband and father of two. He is also an inductee in the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame, the Windsor-Essex County Sports Hall of Fame and the University of Windsor Sports Hall of Fame.
Organizers – Sunrise president Karen Curtis, left, and Sunrise executive director Lynne O’Brien. Submitted photo
As a presenter and facilitator, he provides audiences with disability literacy education from the lived experience perspective.
Sunrise is now preparing for eight weeks of inclusive day camps in July and August. Campers can enjoy swimming, archery, a low-ropes course, nature trails and daily interaction with the many Sunrise horses.
In the Fall, the Sunrise Therapy and Memorial Ceremony will take place on Sept. 24.
Sunrise asks that the community considers honouring a loved one by naming a sapling or mature tree, nurture a native therapy forest and support programs for children and adults with disabilities.
