General News
17 December, 2024
Pop-up shop supports RDA
Maryborough Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is once again hosting its annual pop-up shop, raising vital funds to provide heartwarming experiences for local people.
Located on 143 High Street, the shop hosts an assortment of Christmas gifts for friends, family and Kris Kringles including volunteer handmade cushions, crafts and bags as well as books, games and toys.
All proceeds from the store will go towards local RDA sessions and events which according to Maryborough RDA president and 2023 Central Goldfields Shire Citizen of the Year Aileen Marshall has been well supported by the community.
“The pop-up shop is an annual fundraiser for RDA and it’s also a way we communicate with people to explain what we do,” she said.
“Pop-up shop has been going now for about five years and I had the idea that I make a lot of stuff and we needed to have something as a fundraiser.
“I couldn’t speak more highly of Maryborough — the wonderful people in the community always help.
“We have had a couple of people come in and donate money which is so generous.”
Located next to the pony club at 11-13 Johnson Street, Maryborough RDA hosts a range of equestrian activities for residents with a disability.
Having been involved with RDA for over 40 years, Ms Marshall said nothing is more joyful than seeing riders enjoying themselves.
“RDA teaches us so much outside of horse riding, it teaches us compassion, companionship and coordination,” she said.
“When I was first asked to do this, I was in my early 20s and thought ‘I don’t know anything about disabilities’.
“They took me to a group in Ballarat and showed me what the horses can do for somebody with a disability — I went to the back of the shed and had a cry and then I said, ‘show me what to do’.
“As humans we are very judgemental, horses and animals don’t look at us like that, they just take us as we are.”
According to Ms Marshall, the program can also have a “life-changing” impact on participants.
“Often the schools and the parents will tell us that it doesn’t just make a difference for an hour, the behaviour of students is completely different and it can be life-changing,” she said.
“Some of our riders don’t get to compete in anything, most people can compete with their arms, legs and voices, but a lot of our riders don’t have that.
“We have a little boy who’s five, he came non-verbal, he now goes along and thanks the six volunteers that help him and every time he comes he learns a new word.”
The Maryborough RDA Annual Pop-Up Shop is open on 143 High Street daily from 9 am to 3 pm until Friday, December 20.
For more information on the shop, RDA Maryborough, or to enquire about volunteering, contact Aileen Marshall at 5460-4539.