500 hours of volunteering and counting!

Ti’s the season to be thankful for the wonderful people that represent VTRA, especially the volunteers. Without their commitment and dedication, VTRA would not be able to help as many people as we do. Yet a special thanks needs to be given to our superstar volunteers: Lynn and Mo Girard.

Several years ago Lynn retired after working 30 years at TELUS. Due to years of heavy lifting and driving she needed spinal cord surgery, which entailed regular exercise post-surgery. Instead of buying a gym membership though, Lynn decided she wanted to stay active while volunteering, because TELUS would donate $1 for every hour its retired employees volunteered at any non-profit organization. Volunteers, otherwise known as Community Ambassadors, can volunteer up to 500 hours a year.

Asking her daughter in-law for advice on volunteer opportunities in Victoria, VTRA was mentioned as a possibility. Lynn had previously worked in barns and loved horses, so she immediately knew this would be a perfect fit.

Since 2014, Lynn has clocked in 500 hours per year at VTRA, which means that TELUS has donated $1,500 on her behalf.

Lynn’s generosity of time and passion for VTRA doesn’t seem to tire. She and her husband, Mo, have contributed funds to replace outdated helmets and to upgrade the furniture in the club house. Mo has even become a trusty handy-man for VTRA. He built new bookcase stands for the boots and helmets, installed an automatic water system for the horses in the stalls, and given the barn a fabulous upgrade.

VTRA cannot thank both Lynn and Mo enough for all their time, dedication and resources. And a big THANK YOU to all our volunteers who made 2017 such a great year!

Happy New Year, y’all!

October Feature: Anne Waterhouse

Did you know that one of our longest standing board members received the Caring Canadian Awards, by the former Governor General David Johnston? She is one VTRA’s most dedicated and generous donors, but you would never know when speaking with her due to her modest character. Anne Waterhouse shies away from any attention, but without her support VTRA’s doors would have closed years ago.

Anne began volunteering as a side walker for VTRA (then called Victoria Riding for the Disabled) in 2001 when it was located at Forest Mere, by Elk Lake. Having recently moved back to Victoria from Seattle, Washington, Anne wanted to join a community that loved horses as much as she and use the skills she had acquired while volunteering at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Therapeutic riding perfectly combined her skills and interests.

True to form, Anne didn’t boast about her extensive background in horse handling or riding. Yet one day when a horse escaped from the barn, none of the staff or volunteers knew what to do except Anne, who took charge and safely reined the horse in. Consequently, she became the horse handler and eventually a board member.
By 2009, a series of unfortunate circumstances at the old property forced the board to find a new location. Anne not only suggested the current site on Veyaness Rd, but also purchased and helped renovate the property for VTRA’s exclusive use. Furthermore, Anne has cared for the horses every summer to allow the horses to rest and relax before the fall session. It came as no surprise, therefore, when she was awarded the Caring Canadian Awards in 2012.

There is no question that VTRA could not keep its doors open without Anne’s tireless dedication and support. We may never be able to properly thank her for all she has given to make VTRA such a highly-skilled organization that has touched so many lives, but as you may surmise, recognition isn’t her motivation. What Anne loves is hearing the many magical moments that happen in the ring and sharing these stories with others. After all, harnessing potential, moving together, and inspiring lives is what it’s all about.