got questions?What a year!
Money streams for non-profit organizations are not guaranteed income. Donations are requested from various organizations and foundations and are dependent on their capacity for funding as well as established guidelines. Income is not necessarily a constant stream but comes at intervals which non-profits work to fill with their own fundraising efforts.
The BC Winter Olympics was a fortuitous and spectacular coup for the Province but posed a problem for many non-profit organizations. The funding we normally receive in November was withheld without explanation as to when or if we would receive the funding requested. With no input from the Government a great deal of soul-searching on the part of the Board resulted in changes to this past session.
The decision was to revise our riding schedule by extending our winter break from one month to two. Our staff very kindly agreed to the extended break and our volunteers stepped in to assist with the regular feeding of the horses during December and January.
Our funding did come from the Government in March.
To those foundations, businesses, individuals and organizations that helped us “fill the gap” financially we extend our deepest thank you for being there for us and assuring the continuity of our program.
One of the positive outcomes of this past year has been the inclusion of a new group of riders on Fridays. A trial period was conducted in the last 6 weeks of our session to ensure the riders personally benefited from our program and would be interested in attending regular sessions. The trial was an outstanding success for all the riders involved as well as the staff and everyone looks forward to continuing the session in full next year.
The program would not now be in a position to go forward without the help of our Board, staff and volunteers and the help of our financial partners. We thank all of you and look forward to many more years of partnership.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
- Powell River and District United Way
- Lee Hill Harley and Helen deBruycker
- Mr and Mrs. P.A. Woodward Foundation
- School District #47
- Carlson Club
- Powell River Royal Canadian Legion Branch #164
- Texada Island Women’s Network
- Margaret Jones
- P. McDonald McLean Foundation
- Powell River Rotary Club
- Blue Mountain Lunch Club
- G. Behan
- Jim and Dorothy Cunningham
- B. Smith
- John and Dorothy Whittaker
- Jack’s Boat Yard
- M. Glaze
- D. Carlson
- Frances Hart L. Stokes
- Nicolas Simons
- Stephen Mann
- Powell River Kiwanis
- M. Pagani
- C. Darbyshire
- Westview Baptist Church
- PennCorp Life Insurance Corporation
- Vanier Ltd.
- United Church
- Hammersmith Fund
- River City Cruisers
- First Credit Union of Powell River
- BC Government, Direct Access Gaming
- Blue Mountain Ladies Group
- Dog Gone Grooming
- Powell River Garden Club
- Dog Show
- Multiple Sclerosis Support Group of Powell River
- Bank of Montreal – Nesbitt Burns
- S. Phillips
- The Hamber Foundation
We thank everyone who supported our events and sales and extend apologies to anyone we may have overlooked. Any oversight on our part is unintentional.
Program fundraising events consisted of:
- Two raffles
- Annual Ride-A-Thon
- Our first Pumpkin Party
- Annual Silent Auction
- Italian Dinner/Silent Auction
- Mother’s Day Bouquet Sales
- Two Food Orders
- Souvenir, Cookbook, Composted Manure sales
- Monthly Bingo
- Building and Arena Rentals
We Couldn't do it without YOU!
Ride-A-Thon · June 5, 2010
This year our Annual Ride-A-Thon was expanded to include a Fun Day for the kids, and boy, oh boy, did we all have fun!
In addition to the Fun Day we upped the anti with a carnival for the kids and a brand new VOLUNTEER OLYMPICS for our wonderful and highly competitive volunteers.
The Ride-A-Thon saw 16 horse riders, walkers, cyclists and paddlers hit the trails/waters of Powell River to raise over $5,600.
While the Ride-A-Thon participants were hitting the trails, twenty of our riders dazzled parents, friends and other spectators by showing off the equestrian skills they learned in the past year by working their horse through an obstacle course.
While they waited for their class to begin, riders and their families painted, learned to use stilts and hoola hoops, played games and otherwise had a rollicking good time at the carnival.
During lunch we were treated to live music by Madeline Hocking and Max and Monica Pagani.
After a barbeque lunch the volunteers had a chance to strut their stuff and showed off the skills they use each week during the riding sessions to keep the horses and riders safe as well as to ensure everyone has a good ride.
The first ever Volunteer Olympic trophy was awarded to the “Quirky Quartet” consisting of the fashionably attired Pat Brown, Bruce Dale, Kim Gray and Margaret Jones. Congratulations to each of you for a fantastic effort and possibly some slightly underhanded techniques??
We want to thank everyone who assisted us in making our annual wrap-up such as a success: Quality Foods; Aaron Mazurek, Coast Realty; T&R Contracting; Jumpin’ Jodphurs; VanIsle Veterinary Hospital; Taw’s Cycle & Sports; Valley Building Supplies; Pagani & Son Shoes; First Credit Union; Dave Formosa & the Shinglemill; Dave Bowes & the Laughing Oyster; Executive House Inn, Victoria; Dr. Anna Marie Maguire; Starbucks Coffee; Powell River Royal Air Cadets #22; Madeline Hocking; Max & Monica Pagani; Deanna McGregor and all the wonderful individuals and businesses who support our riders with monetary pledges.
Moose Hall Spaghetti Dinner and Dance
Thank you to everyone who helped with the fundraising event on November 27th at the Moose Hall. Max Pagani and a kitchen full of helpers fixed an authentic spaghetti dinner which was then served by some amazing and eager young 4H volunteers!
The live music was wonderful. Among the stage full of talent, the fiddling brothers Mike and Matt who recently moved to Powell River from Abbotsford, received rave reviews from the audience. We were treated to a variety of music from Celtic and country to bluegrass, complete with stand-up bass. Thank you!
Thanks to all the people who donated art, baking and plants to the silent auction. A very very special and warm thank you to the generous winner of the 50/50 draw who donated the prize (of nearly $200) back to the Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association! Bless your heart.
All together we had a wonderful time and raised awareness plus a nice bit of change for the society!
Raffle
Thank you to the Raffle 09 Supporters. We made over $7000 with this event. Congratulations to all the winners, and many thanks to the generous winner who donated a portion of the winnings back to us!
Pumpkin Party
Thank you to Dan, Heather and staff of Westview U Vin U Brew, Therapeutic riding staff and volunteers, Gerry Morris and all the restaurants who carved pumpkins for our silent auction.
A very sincere apology to the lady who’s pumpkin was sold before she could come and pick it up!
Congratulations to “voted best pumpkin winners - #1 Alchemist for Nightmare Before Christmas, #2 Tree Frog Bistro for the horse and #3 Moose & Eddies for Freddy Kruger.
Summer Camps 2009
This summer’s camps were very well received and attended. Our thanks to the Instructor, staff, volunteers and participants for an outstanding session. Watch for 2010 camp info in early spring!
SILENT AUCTION
September 27 and 28, 2009 at the Fall Fair we held a very successul Silent Auction! This event made over $5000!
Donations of lovely baskets, artwork, hundreds of items too numerous to mention. Three of the most intriguing were:
- A Gift Certificate for two night Bed and Breakfast stay for two at The Hills Health Ranch” at 108 Mile House. A get-a-way vacation accessible and relaxing in a marvellous setting. A chance to treat yourself to the pleasures and amenities including a world renowned spa.
- A 4 day Ranch stay for two in the Tawatinaw Valley of Alberta in a beautiful log cabin. Horseback riding lessons with a certified coach on horses suited for anyone from beginner/child to advanced riders, options for shopping opportunities at unique stores and tack shops including the West Edmonton Mall (weather permitting.) Transportation provided by owner to and from Edmonton airport (if you choose to fly). Successful bidder is looking forward to a fantastic June getaway.
- Two chainsaw carvings by completed and donated by Clint Bleaney – Goats and a Bear. The total of the two winning bids for these were donated to PRTRA. The carvings are amazing and the winning bidders thrilled.
PennCorp Life Insurance Company partners with Therapeutic Riding
It all happened because of one little boy’s excitement. We received a phone call from parents of one of our riders who’d participated in our 2009 Ride-A-Thon. He had arrived at daycare sporting his new PRTRA t-shirt given to riders for collecting pledges. He also had in hand some brushes he’d received as a prize.
He was so thrilled to show his teacher what he’d received that she and her husband (a PennCorp executive) decided they wanted to help out the organization that had so enthused their son. After a couple of conversations and some correspondence, Brian decided it was in PennCorp’s and PRTRA’s best interest to sponsor a rider and we received a donation sponsoring one we rider for the entire program year!
Our thanks to Brian and PennCorp Canada.
SPONSORS/DONORS
Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Woodward Foundation – Purchase of teaching aids and horse equipment
KidSport - sponsorship for 17 riders
Texada Women’s Island Network – rider sponsorship
Harley and Helen deBruycker
Hammersmith Fund
PennCorp Life Insurance Company – rider sponsorship
Numerous anonymous monetary donations
Our donors, sponsors, grant givers are a critical component in our ability to keep this valuable program going for the challenged individuals in the Powell River. There is no other program like this available to them.
Thanks to ALL of you who have enabled us to provide this service since 1991. We look forward to continuing our partnership and improving the health of those in our program.
Ride-A-Thon 2009
Powell River Therapeutic Riding would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for supporting our 10th Annual Ride A Thon:
T-shirt sponsors:
- 95.7 SunFM
- A&W Restaurant
- Aaron Mazurek
- First Credit Union
- Jumpin' Jodphurs
- Pagani & Sons Shoe Repair Ltd.
- Rainbow Valley Pet & Farm Supplies
- T&R Contracting Ltd.
- Taws Cycle & Sports
- Valley Building Supplies
- Van Isle Veterinary Hospital
- Westview Veterinary Hospital
Prizes & Donations:
- Bruce & Sharon Dale
- Canada Safeway
- Canadian Tire
- Dog & Pony Shop - Vancouver
- Dr. Anna-Marie Maguire
- Dr. Deb Hocking
- Dr. Nick White
- Helene Nissle
- Horse Council of BC
- Laughing Oyster
- Lavoine McCullough
- Oceanview Helicopters Ltd.
- Pagani & Sons Shoe Repair Ltd.
- PEPS
- Powell River Town Centre Hotel
- Quality Foods
- Staples Business Depot
- Steve Tetroe
- Tanglewood Farm
And a big thank you to the volunteers, riders, walkers, pledge earners & donors, horses and staff who helped to make this event a success!
The Equicizer
The Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association unveiled the newest member of our stable last Monday, March 23, 2009, the Equicizer wooden horse.
Pictured here, Kelly Lillies, Past Program Instructor, Powell River Therapeutic Riding and Elizabeth Tait, President, Powell River Health Care Auxiliary Society unveil the newest member of the Powell River Therapeutic Riding stable, ‘The Equicizer”.
“The Equicizer is a wooden horse that assists riders to learn balance and practice walking and cantering on a wooden Equicizer horse, which is much safer than learning these skills on a horse, “ reported Kelly Lillies, a past Powell River Therapeutic Riding Program Instructor. “With this new piece of equipment, we will be better able to assess rider skills and abilities and help potential riders develop the skills necessary to be successful in their therapeutic riding program.”
“Powell River Therapeutic Riding Board Members thank Elizabeth Tait and the Powell River Health Care Auxiliary for assisting with the purchase of the Equicizer, and for their ongoing support of the therapeutic riding program” said Pat Brown, Board member. “We are so grateful for the ongoing support of the Powell River Health Care Auxiliary ”.
Pat also announced a “Name That Equicizer” contest for friends of the Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association. The Equicizer’s new name will be announced the week of April 20, 2009.
Elizabeth Tait and Pat Brown assisted Kelly Lillies in unveiling the new Equicizer to the delight of the volunteers, parents, riders and community members who were in the audience.
Kelly Lillies demonstrated the new Equacizer’s abilities with Elizabeth Tait and Jacob Neath.
The event concluded with coffee and cookies and an opportunity to watch the first preschool class of the day with their riding lesson.
Welcome Fashion & Myha
We would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to The Victoria Foundation for their generosity towards Powell River Therapeutic Riding.
Because of their financial assistance, we were able to purchase two young, talented, patient horses, Fashion and Myha; they are a tremendous asset to our program and an excellent benefit to our riders.
Thank you Victoria Foundation for the kindness you have shown to PRTRA over that past several years!
click logo to visit Victoria Foundation website.
Power lunch!
Shirley Storey came to present a cheque for $2,000, on behalf of Plutonic Power Corporation to Powell River Therapeutic Riding. We had 2 eager riders from our Preschool Program, with their dedicated volunteers and staff on hand to meet and thank Shirley and Plutonic Power.
Pictured here with “Desi” (horse on left) - Left to right: Nola MacDonald, Side Walker; Rider, Jessie Elsworth; Peggy Phillips, Side Walker (behind); Mary Miller, Horse Handler; Plutonic Power Representative, Shirley Storey; PRTRA Program Coordinator, Kelly Lillies. “Fashion” (horse on right) – Kathryn Stanley, Horse Handler; Rider, Jacob Neath and Mary Bowman, Side Walker.
The funds will be used to help with horse care (vet, feed, bedding, etc) for our valuable therapy horses.
Thanks Plutonic Power!
thanks for the valentine!
Powell River Therapeutic Riding thanks our countless volunteers, sponsors and especially the people who joined us for our first Country & Western Valentine's Day Dance! Watch for us next year.
here are some of our supporters! We couldn't have done it without you.
95.7 Sun FM
Aaron Service and Supply
Armitage Mens Wear
Beyond the Bed
The Brick
Rock and Roll Guest Ranch
Paul & Ann Clements
Patti Coburn
First Credit Union
Centsibles Townsite
Roland Desilets
Dog Gone Grooming & Boutique
Bobbie Field
Heritage Liquor Store
Jumpin’ Jodphurs
Liquidation World
Marks Workwear World
Mitchell Brothers Home Furniture
IdaMay Mulligan
Myrtle Point Candy Company
Ann Nelson
Old Jailhouse Café
PR Brain Injury Society Ladies
Powell River Sea Kayak
Pacific Reflections Glassworks
Rainbow Valley Pet & Farm Supplies
Red Lion Pub
Rona Building Centre
SoctiaBank
Sound Attraction
Spruce Meadows, Calgary AB
Synergy FrameShop Ltd
Tophatt Catering
Tourigny & Marce Wood Artisans
Valley Building Supplies
Ty Hart & Chard Morrison
special services visit
These photos were taken during a visit from Theresa Verdiel, School District 47’s Special Services Department Head. Photos were taken by Lisa E., during her LPN community practicum with us. We enjoyed your visit and hope you come again!
This photo is of Aaron & Desi
Top left is Theresa Verdiel from Special Services at School District 47, top right is Daphne Wilson, PRTRA Board Member and Physiotherapist, Bottom left is Desi, and Bottom right is Aaron, a rider at PRTRA.
newsletters
Please click the date to download a printable pdf version of our newsletter. Thanks.