Sydney charity Riding for the Disabled receives Heritage Bank calendar funding boost

19 July 2023

Funds raised from the sale of Heritage Bank’s 2023 calendar are helping people with disabilities in Sydney access the healing power of horse therapy.

Heritage recently presented a donation of $3,215 to The Ryde Centre, operated by Riding for the Disabled Association New South Wales. 

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) NSW provides opportunities for people with special needs to enjoy safe, healthy, therapeutic, horse-related activities. 

The charity was nominated as a beneficiary of by Odette Quine, Heritage Bank State Manager NSW – Branches.

“After meeting the team from RDA at a local business event in Ryde, I was invited to tour The Ryde Centre and was blown away by the amazing work they do,” Mrs Quine said. 

“It’s run entirely by volunteers who share their knowledge and passion to harness the healing power of horses and brighten the lives of kids and adults with disabilities.  

“RDA’s programs provide so many therapeutic benefits for participants from building confidence, helping with motor skills, providing mental stimulation, enhancing social and communication skills and so much more. 

“They have a massive positive impact on the lives of everyone involved, and we’re thrilled to join with the community in giving back to such an amazing organisation.”

The Ryde Centre volunteer Tina Clifton said the donation would support day-to-day running expenses and help them to continue their services. 

“As volunteers at RDA The Ryde Centre, we do love our work, especially knowing that we are giving joy and a wonderful experience through horse riding, to those people living with a disability,” Ms Clifton said.

“We are extremely grateful to those who have bought Heritage Bank calendars to help others in need. Your gift not only helps us financially, but your support encourages us in what we do.”

In a much-loved tradition that began in 1982, Heritage selects a historically significant Queensland home to feature on its printed calendar each year. Copies are made available to the public for a gold coin donation, with proceeds donated to a number of charities around southern Queensland and New South Wales. Heritage began collecting donations for the calendar in 2006 and has since distributed over $383,000 to 73 community organisations.

PHOTO: Odette Quine, Heritage Bank State Manager NSW – Branches and Ron Marton, Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW) The Ryde Centre.