Earth Spirit Horse Rescue's "Compassion Project" is a finalist in the Aviva Community Fund, a competition which gives away a million dollars to various Canadian projects that make a positive change in their community. After months of public voting, it's now up to judges to decide if the Compassion Project will receive up to $100,000.
The 3-year-old non-profit group rents a barn in Quispamsis that helps with abused horses and teaches troubled youth life skills. Executive director Christy Clark tells CHSJ news they completely depend on volunteers and donations, and winning the money would completely improve and expand their work. She says the money would go towards building a new stable of their own, which would include a quarantined stall for rescued horses to recover in and a loft as a classroom for youth programs.
The youth don't learn how to ride, but how to care for horses which in turn teaches leadership skills, self confidence and even awareness of bullying. Clark says it also benefits the horses who are too old to be ridden. She says the results of the program are phenomenal, adding she's received calls from parents, teachers and councilors that the kids are changed forever.
The winners will be announced January 29th.
To learn more about the Aviva Community Fund, click here.
To learn more about Earth Spirit Horse Rescue, click here.
