Coffee and friends come together at Sarda
At least R50 000 a month is needed to keep Sarda afloat.
Mmmm… is what coffee lovers said when the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled their noses.
With laughter friends greeted each other as they arrived at the South African Riding for the Disabled Association’s (Sarda) Coffee and Friends morning – all in a bid to help generate much needed funds.
With a coffee and some savoury and sweet snacks in hand visitors and friends of Sarda listened to how Julia Morris (fundraiser) explained why they need everyone – including business owners – to become involved.
“We are here because we love children. Secondly we are here because we want to give disabled children a better life with the help of our two miniature donkeys and eleven horses, dubbed equine therapists.”
To do that, she said, they need at least R50 000 a month to keep the centre afloat and therefore encourage individuals and corporates to consider donating to Sarda on a monthly basis.
“If we can build up a regular financial support base that would mean a lot to us as we receive no regular financial assistance; we rely solely on donations and our own fund raising endeavours.”
The money raised is used to buy food for the animals as well as paying salaries to their full time staff.
Furthermore they are still in constant need of volunteers.
Agnes Elliot, one of the volunteers who give up her time for the love of giving back said she’s involved with Sarda for over 11 years now.
“I joined Sarda two years after my youngest daughter was tragically killed by a speeding drunk driver. As I was in a rather awful place, I knew I had to do something to take me out of the abyss; that is when I saw an editorial about the organisation in the local newspaper and knew that is what I wanted to do with my time.”
She said she is always in awe of the children who are always positive no matter what their challenges are.
“The joy of seeing a wheelchair bound child’s face, who has always seen the world at hip height and now sitting on a horse sees the world from a different perspective, is always inspiring.
“Seeing an autistic child who live in their own isolated world responding with laughter after a few rounds on a pony is priceless.”
She furthermore said volunteers whom she works with are amazing people who are full of laughter, fun and compassion, not only for the children but their fellow volunteers.
Sarda is also supporting the Tekkie Tax campaign and sells these stickers at R10 which can then be worn on 29 May.
Stickers can be obtained from Sarda at 125 Peter Road or by contacting 011 958 5044.
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