01 Jan 2010 - 31 Dec 2010
The Mall Ilford's chosen charity for 2010 is the Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs and during the year, hopes to raise much needed funds for this volunteer run organisation through events and collections in the Centre.
Based at Grange Farm, the Chigwell Riding Trust - established forty-five years ago - was the first riding centre for people with special needs in the World.
Run purely by charitable collections and the help of over 100 enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, the Trust receives no state aid and relies entirely on the generosity of its supporters.
"We have over 150 registered disabled and special needs riders visit us each week who gain real benefit from interacting with our fourteen horses and ponies," says Manager, Deborah Hall, MBE. "Not only do some of our riders show physical improvements as a direct result of riding, because of the balance and co-ordination required, but the whole experience improves their self esteem and confidence. For those who spend much of their life looking 'up' at people from their wheelchair, being able to look 'down' from a horse, gives them an entirely new perspective on life."
"Our riders also work to achieve Riding Certificates from Grade 1 to 7 and to ensure that our 'less able' riders have something to work to, also have a "Star Card" to acknowledge special achievements an individual has made," continued Deborah. "Even actually sitting on a horse for the first time can be a milestone for some.
"We are delighted to have the Chigwell Riding Trust as our chosen "Charity of the Year", says Marc Myers, The Mall Ilford's General Manager. "In the past, our shoppers have shown how generous they can be and look forward to them helping us raise much needed funds for this very worthwhile charity through donations on collection days or taking part in some of the sponsored events we will be organising during 2010."
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