Health and Community Services
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
June 24, 2015

Supporting Healthy Communities

Provincial Government Contributes $250,000 to Rainbow Riders Campaign

A new campaign aimed at redeveloping a centre in support of therapeutic riding programs that help children and youth with disabilities explore their abilities was launched today in St. John�s by Rainbow Riders. The Provincial Government is investing $250,000 in the campaign, Raise It Up.

"Partnering with Rainbow Riders through this campaign provides the Provincial Government with the unique opportunity to contribute to important services benefiting young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I encourage residents and organizations to offer their support, and help children foster their sense of pride and accomplishment.�
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

For 25 years, Rainbow Riders has been providing therapeutic horseback riding to young people with disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador. The focus of the campaign is on replacing its aging facilities to provide enhanced experiences for the children and youth served by the organization.

�As a government, we are proud to support Rainbow Riders and its innovative programming for children and youth with disabilities. The Raise It Up campaign is a wonderful opportunity to help the organization continue its important role and mandate, while encouraging everyone to become even more inclusive throughout our communities.�
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons With Disabilities

As Newfoundland and Labrador�s only nationally certified therapeutic riding centre, Rainbow Riders is hoping the campaign will encourage people to learn more about the benefits of its programming.

�The Provincial Government�s support for Raise It Up is incredibly valuable financially, but also shows Newfoundland and Labrador�s business community and the public that this is a project worthy of their support. This is an opportunity to generate awareness for the programs and their medical benefits. At Rainbow Riders, students connect with their peers, experience impressive accomplishments, and it gives them something to call their own.�
- Paul Antle, Campaign Chair, Raise It Up for Rainbow Riders

For more information on Rainbow Riders, visit: www.thrivecyn.ca/directory-of-services/recreation/rainbow-riders/ .

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government announced today that it is contributing $250,000 to a campaign to help support therapeutic riding programs for children and youth with disabilities.
• Raise It Up was launched today in St. John�s by Rainbow Riders.
• The campaign�s focus is on replacing its aging facilities to provide enhanced experiences for the young people they serve.
• For more information on Rainbow Riders, visit: www.thrivecyn.ca/directory-of-services/recreation/rainbow-riders .
• The Provincial Government�s new action plan for Access. Inclusion. Equality - A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, is available at: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/isap.html.

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