Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association among local entries for Aviva Fund Contest

Oct 13, 2016 | 3:43 PM

KAMLOOPS — A non-profit charitable organization in Kamloops is looking for financial support for its At-Risk Youth Program.

The Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association is one of several local projects hoping to cash in through the annual Aviva Community Fund Contest. For nearly 30 years the association has provided children and adults with disabilities life-enhancing opportunities through the use of horseback riding. For at-risk youth, the program is vital and can make a big difference for troubled teens.

“They get to learn life skills through working with a horse, it’s not intimidating where they have to sit down and work with a counselor or be in therapy, the school board calls it silent counseling and they don’t even realize that they’re learning. They get home and realize they were able to use something they learned here with a horse, in their everyday lives,” says Ashley Sudds, Executive Director, Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association.

Clients in the At-Risk Youth Program have trouble coping with the stresses of life and are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, engage in criminal activity, and attempt suicide. The Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association is reaching out to the Aviva Fund and is relying on the votes of people in the community, to help keep the program running. 

“We’re looking just under $10,000 from the Aviva, we also plan to ask BC Gaming for some help this year, and anyone that’s willing to put money into a great program and help shape the youth of tomorrow,” says Sudds.

Until October 28th, The Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association requires as many votes as possible in order to qualify for the next round of the contest. 

To vote, click here

Other local projects looking for funds are Summit Elementary School for the construction of a new playground, The Kamloops Cadet Society for building repairs, and an entry from 100-Mile House which is hoping for a new water park.