General News
16 December, 2025
Pop-up shop supports RDA
Maryborough Riding for the Disabled’s (RDA) annual pop-up shop has returned this week, aiming to raise much needed funds and awareness for the group’s programs.
As a long and arduous year comes to an end for the Maryborough RDA, the group’s annual pop-up shop is fully underway, with hopes to not only raise money, but entice more volunteers along the way.
Volunteer Alan Johnson said the group has been inundated with generous donations this year.
“We have a lot of handmade and Christmas stuff this year on sale to raise funds. We have had a bit of a big year, but our biggest problem now is getting participants and volunteers,” he said.
“It certainly puts a smile on our faces, seeing kids get enjoyment out of it. You don’t need to have any horse experience.”
This year’s pop up shop includes handmade crafts, items for babies, jewellery, books, knitted goods, Christmas ornaments, candles, DVDs, glassware, furniture and clothes.
Proceeds will go toward running RDA sessions, a range of popular equine programs supporting locals of all ages with a disability.
Maryborough RDA has faced an uncertain future this year, forced to begin relocation since their Johnson Street site was bought by Asteria.
Since then, the group has faced numerous hurdles and roadblocks in securing a site locally to operate the programs they host.
The money raised from this year’s pop-up shop will also assist with their relocation, which they will continue to work towards in 2026.
The annual pop-up shop will be open daily this week from 9 am to 3 pm at 143 High Street Maryborough.
Fundraising will continue this weekend, with the group opening a garage sale behind the pop up shop site.
The garage sale will be open on Saturday, December 20 from 9 am to 3 pm behind its High Street location.
Attendees can enter through the front of the building.