got questions?Volunteers
New volunteers are always welcome. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Dusty Reid at 604-484-0177 or at volunteer@shawbiz.ca for information on how to participate. Of course, we have opportunities for volunteers who want to work with riders and horses but can also find great things to do for those who may be interested in fund-raising, event planning, etc. All kinds of skills are useful and welcomed.
featured volunteer: Carol Hamilton
You may not know Carol Hamilton by name but I’m sure you have seen her big smile around here! She is a dynamo, one of those people who does everything with enthusiasm. I find her willingness to help an integral part of our Volunteer program here at Therapeutic. Carol was a founding director as a representative of the Model Community for Persons with Disabilities Society. So she helped to get our therapeutic riding program started. She even volunteered for riding for awhile at the beginning but found it didn't work well because she was working full time then and could only go at lunch breaks!
Carol volunteers with us in just about every capacity now that she is a retiree. She enjoys Side walking and Horse Handling because she says it’s “Getting exercise and being useful at the same time”.
I have personally been saved by Carol numerous times because when I desperately need someone for a job, she will always offer. She is involved in so many ways in her community here in Powell River, one of those people who connects us by chatting with everyone and mentioning who needs help, who you could help, and asking people to just give a little.
I know she helps her neighbours by taking them to appointments, drives our adult riders to and from their classes so they can participate and more, she’s just one of those really giving people. With her seemingly boundless energy she will work all day at a special event, help tear it down, move the equipment, come the next morning, return the equipment, come back and tally up totals and organize the last few details. She will MC an event, work in the kitchen, load vehicles – I’ve asked and she’s done it!!
People like Carol have a lot of knowledge to share with a new Volunteer Coordinator like me; contacts, where to rent things, where to find deals, what an MC actually does and so much more! I can appreciate the potential Carol has in passing on important information and providing guidance to others. If you ever need anything, she’s probably a good person to start asking for advice!
When I asked Carol what other activities she enjoys she replied as befitting to her energetic and bubbly personality; “So many things! reading, hiking, walking, dancing, music,travelling,people.”
So you may see her around town at a performance, dancing zumba at the rec centre, walking in the woods or chatting someone up at a local festival (that she is probably volunteering for). Make sure you say “Hello and Thank you, our community appreciates folks like you”, do it quick though before she flies South for the winter.
We will miss you Carol, see you in March!!
And Thank you!!
Do you know someone who you would like to recognize as the Feature Volunteer? Please send your requests to prtra.admin@shawbiz.ca attn: Featured Volunteer
√ Click to see who was Feature Volunteer in the past
so you want to help?
Download our snazzy new brochure and use the form to donate or to volunteer. Click here.
OR - Call our Volunteer Coordinator at 604-485-0177.
OR - email us at prtra.admin@shawbiz.ca.
make a donation
We are now registered with CanadaHelps.org
making it simple for you to donate on line.
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, 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.
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