Member Article

Riding for disabled group jumping for joy at cash donation

A social enterprise providing sporting and therapeutic activities with horses in Stirling has been handed a cash boost after receiving £750 from a leading housebuilder. Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA is the first winner of the Persimmon Homes East Scotland Healthy Communities campaign. The scheme will see Persimmon, the UK’s leading housebuilder, give away more than £600,000 to sporting causes across the UK over the next 10 months, with an overall top national prize of £200,000 in addition to numerous regional donations. Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA will expand opportunities for horse riding, equestrian vaulting and equine assisted learning for members of the community with physical disabilities, medical conditions, learning difficulties as well as children with autism. Following the closure of the Bannockburn Riding for the Disabled centre the new social enterprise is working with Stirling Council to develop a new centre at Kildean. Julie-Anne Griffith, of the group, said: “We are delighted to receive such a generous donation from Persimmon Homes. “We currently deliver services with partner organisations but our aim is to establish a new RDA centre in Central Scotland which will provide facilities for many more disabled children and adults to develop skills, meet new people and gain confidence. “Therapeutic riding, vaulting, and equine assisted learning provide our members with a fun and enjoyable experience whilst helping to improve physical fitness, confidence, self-esteem and social skills.” Every month this year, Persimmon Homes East Scotland will hand out £750 to either a sports team, or individual aged 21 years and under in the area, with the money to be spent on kit, equipment, coaching or facilities. Then in January 2018, Persimmon Homes’ 30 businesses will then choose a team or individual to represent them in the grand final. An online public vote will then decide the final winner, with one individual or group scooping the £200,000 top prize to create a lasting legacy and two runners-up winning £50,000 each. The new fund is in addition to the £720,000 the company already donated through its hugely successful Community Champions scheme each year. Jim Kirkpatrick, managing director at Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said: “It’s our pleasure to support Equi-Power Central Scotland as part of Healthy Communities. The RDA have a longstanding presence in the community providing help for people with disabilities. “We wish them all the success with the new centre. “Everyone who enters, regardless of whether they win a monthly prize, will be considered as a finalist. “We are looking for sports teams and individuals who have amazing ideas on how to spend £200,000 to come forward. We will consider anything from new clubhouses, to training centres, facilities or gyms or it may be people who want to spend the cash on the development of future Olympians.” To find out more or to enter the competition, visit persimmonhomes.com/charity Persimmon Homes East Scotland is currently building in Falkirk at its Silver Birch Park development including a range of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes. To find out more visit persimmonhomes.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Charlotte Greenhalgh .