2016 Volunteer Recognition Day is April 20th

By Daphne Davey

Once a year, we take time to acknowledge the enormous contribution that volunteers make to society. This year, Volunteer Recognition Day falls on April 20, worldwide. It honours all volunteers who work on behalf of others without being motivated by financial or material gain. 

Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity, intended to promote good or to improve human quality of life. In return, it produces a feeling of self-worth and respect ― not to mention skill development, socialization and fun. It can also provide contacts or references for employment. 

Photo: Annmacneill.com

Photo: Daphne Davey

Photo: Daphne Davey

At an easy guess, volunteers make up over 90 percent of people involved in operating and supporting the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association’s 80-plus accredited therapeutic riding programs in Canada. That translates into thousands of pairs of helping hands! Looking at the other side of the coin, there’s an old saying, “As you give, so shall you receive.” Any volunteer knows how true that is. And volunteering with children and adults with disabilities, partnered with endearing therapy horses, is surely a match made in heaven.

Therapeutic riding volunteers are typically board members, fund-raisers, instructors, leaders and side-walkers, horse groomers (and stall muckers), number crunchers, tack cleaners, carpenters and fixer-uppers, newsletter editors, food contributors, envelope stuffers, social media monitors, public speakers, grant writers, photographers, fetchers and carriers. There is no end to the list. In fact, there is a niche for anyone who wants to join in.

Happy 2016 worldwide Volunteer Recognition Day!

For more information on CanTRA and its member centres, visit www.cantra.ca or email ctra@golden.net. Please make a difference to a child or adult with a disability by donating to CanTRA at www.cantra.ca or CanadaHelps.org

 Main Photo: Annmacneill.com