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volunteer of the month
Volunteer of the Month: Mary Miller
Mary Miller has been a volunteer with Powell River Therapeutic Riding for the last five years. Mary found out about the program when one of her hiking pals told her that she worked for PRTRA, and told Mary that volunteers were needed.
Mary grew up on a farm, so she was used to being around animals, but she had not spent much time around horses. Mary found that she loved the therapeutic riding horses, especially grooming them before their classes. Mary calls this her ‘therapy time’.
Mary has a special affinity for a Norwegian Fjord pony named Desi. She usually gets him groomed and ready for his day. This makes many of the other groomer volunteers very happy. Desi hates being indoors and refuses to wear a blanket. Desi is almost always the wettest, dirtiest, smelliest horse in the barn!That is, until Mary finishes toweling him off, lovingly brushing the dirt and mud off his coat and telling him what a great pony he is.
Mary volunteers with PRTRA every Monday from 11:15 to 2:30 and again on Thursday from 11:15 until 4:00. Many volunteers stay for one or two classes, but Mary usually stays for the whole day and works every class without a break. She would rather skip lunch and hang out with the kids and the horses, than warm up and eat.
Mary’s job as a volunteer is to handle the horses while the riders have their session. Mary works with the preschoolers on Monday and school age children on Thursday.
Mary makes sure that the horse is performing his/her duties and that the rider has a good and safe ride. Mary likes the outdoor trail rides the best, but on inclement days, the lessons are held in the new indoor arena. Even when indoors, Mary walks with Desi for most of each of the 45 minute classes.
Before Mary retired, she was a housekeeper for the local priests in Powell River. Mary certainly doesn’t consider retirement a time to rest on her laurels, however. When she is not helping with Therapeutic Riding, Mary can be found hiking with the Powell River hiking group on Sunday and Wednesday. These hikes are not for the faint of heart, as they can be anywhere from 2 to 6 hours in length! Mary also swims and attends exercise classes.
Mary loves to sew. She makes many of her own clothes. If you purchase pj’s or nightgowns at a local bazaar, they may be one of Mary’s creations. She also sews for her children and two precious grand-daughters.
Mary says she keeps on volunteering at Powell River Therapeutic Riding because she loves the children and the horses a lot. We are certainly glad that Mary continues to volunteer with Therapeutic Riding! Powell River Therapeutic Riding salutes Mary Miller and thanks her for the hours and hours she spends working with the children and the therapy horses.
so you want to help?
Call Lin Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator at 604-485-0177.
how can I help?
Our Association relies heavily on volunteers. Each rider in the program requires a minimum of two volunteers; one person to handle the horse and one person to walk beside the rider, ensuring their safety by helping with balance and exercises and giving encouragement. We are pleased that we have three adult riders who have for the past three years, progressed to the level of being able to ride independently.
Our 75+ volunteers range from high school age to senior citizens. The direct involvement in the riding program not only gives the volunteers a sense of connection and contribution towards the special needs of the participants but also provides an opportunity for activity and physical fitness at the same time. Other positions include; fundraising, participating at special events, grounds work, telephoning, and board positions.
We offer work experience placements to high school students including those with disabilities, which gives those interested in the field of special needs or vet or animal care an opportunity for hands on experience. In addition to participating as a side walker or horse handler, we offer training in stable management. At the end of the training, students can earn a certificate of completion. We provide annual placements for Canada World Youth and clients of our local Mental Health Agency.
we couldn't do it without your help
A huge, warm, fuzzy thanks to all of our volunteers, members, board members, horses, and staff for all that they do for us! The wonderful team of people we have make this a rewarding place to work!
A special note for parents...
Thank you for the support you have given towards your child’s riding therapy, we appreciate this
SPECIAL THANKS TO...
Thank you to Cathy Goulet and Lynne Nott for coordinating the ever so patient volunteers!
Thanks also to Diana Skillen for volunteering 2 days a week to clean our building! You rock!
And THANKS to the awesome folks who take our garbage each week!
a few words
It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.
-- Tom Brokaw
Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.
-- Edmond Burke
It is our collective and individual responsibility to protect and nurture the global family, to support its weaker members and to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live.
-- The Dalai Lama
Volunteering is so pervasive it's invisible. We take for granted all the things that have been pioneered by concerned, active volunteers.
-- Susan J. Ellis
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