Clwyd Special Riding Centre Still Under Threat – The transformative riding centre’s crowdfunding appeal hits over 1,000 supporters and £214,000 in donations in two weeks.
Under Threat Of Closure
The Clwyd Special Riding Centre remains under threat of closure unless they reach a target of £365,000 by 23rd May.
The centre has announced it has raised over £214,000 towards its target of £365,000 after trustees launched an urgent crowdfunding appeal earlier this month. Established 43 years ago, the centre is in a serious financial crisis and must raise the remaining £151,000 by Friday, 23rd May, if it is to secure its future in the medium term.
Over 1,000 donors have already contributed to the crowdfunding appeal, such is the respect and affection for the life-changing, transformative work of the centre. Expert staff and volunteers deliver equine-assisted therapy, education and inspirational experiences that champion inclusion and promote physical, emotional and social well-being for people of all ages with additional needs, such as nine-year-old Brooke, nine-year-old Albert and international para-dressage rider, Leonie Saffy.
“The Clock Is Ticking”
Trustee Victoria Everall, whose mother, Anne Sopwith, founded the centre, said, “Every pound buys us time, but the clock is ticking. Every introduction to a potential corporate sponsor could change our future, but we need their doors to open. Clwyd Special Riding Centre is so much more than just a riding for the disabled centre. It offers a broad range of equine-assisted activities thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers and some incredible horses. Not all superheroes wear capes – some have hooves and huge hearts.”
As the only centre in North Wales delivering hippotherapy (specialist physiotherapy which utilises a horse’s movement) and a programme called Changing Lives Through Horses, the centre empowers people of all ages with additional needs, be they physical or emotional.
“Totally Transparent”
Joint Centre Manager, Caroline Dingwall, added, “Our position is perilous. If we do not reach our £365,000 target by Friday, 23rd May, the centre will be forced to close. We want to be totally transparent with our existing and potential supporters. We do not want donations to disappear into a black hole. If we don’t reach our target, the centre will close, and all donations will be returned.”
“Clwyd Special Riding Centre is a sanctuary and crucial to the physical and emotional health and well-being of those who visit here every week. It is an inclusive, safe space where everyone is welcome, seen, heard, valued and respected. Sadly, we know closing our doors will have a lasting impact on our participants, and we are all feeling the weight of that very deeply as we near our deadline.”
You can make your pledges via crowdfunder.co.uk.
Feature image: Brooke on Harvey.
We hope you enjoyed reading “Clwyd Special Riding Centre Still Under Threat“. Click here for more articles about our local charities.
