PHOTO COURTESY OF DALE BURGOS Enlarge Image

Patricia, a student from Charleswood School, is given a kiss by Miss Dash for Cash. The program horse was donated by the Aseeuw family from La Salle, Man.

A non-profit organization that helps at-risk youth handle horses needs help galloping towards the fundraising finish line.

The Horse Connection Inc. recently launched its seasonal campaign called The Gift of Charity, which will help pay for the cost of caring for the horses and arena rental fees.

This holiday season, HC will be selling handcrafted Christmas cards, made by volunteer Michelle Gooding, who doubles as the organization’s secretary.

Individuals that donate $20 or more per card will be entered into a draw to win a pair of Winnipeg Jets tickets that were donated by a couple in La Salle, Man.

The cards will be available at 35 Barker Blvd. — HC’s Charleswood headquarters — until Dec. 16 and the draw will made three days later.

The card drive forms part of a bigger fundraising initiative this year, as the organization is part of the Dufresne $1 Million Charity Challenge, said Brenda Godin, HC’s program director.

The furniture company is celebrating its 25th anniversary by sharing $500,000 with more than 50 charities, which are challenged to raise matching funds to double that total amount.

Gooding, a medical lab technician who lives in St. James-Assiniboia, said the cards — which are a copy of an original watercolour of a horse she painted — are a great gift for "someone who has everything, such as a grandmother, co-worker or teacher."

And while Gooding doesn’t know much about horses, she knows volunteering with the organization means a lot to her.

"I share a passion for artwork and keeping kids in school," she said. "When I volunteered in the school system, although my kids were fine, I saw a lot of kids getting lost in the system. And these kids are our future."

Victoria, a student at General Byng School in Fort Garry, who was present at the recent fundraising launch attended by Doug Dufresne, said the program has enhanced her development.   

"I have ADHD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder] and it has helped me stay calm and have self-control," said Victoria, 14, who lives in Elmwood.

"It has also taught me self-control and improved my self-esteem and confidence. I’ve learned a lot about horses and I want to be a veterinarian. And I’ve been told I’m a pretty good rider."

HC works in partnership with Pembina Trails School Division by offering at-risk students hands-on experience through horse-oriented programs.

The programs allow youth, from Grades 6 to 9, to use horsemanship to develop invaluable life skills and stay connected to their education.

Select students from Winnipeg schools including Acadia Junior High, Arthur A. Leach, General Byng, Linden Meadows and Henry G. Izatt are currently involved with the program, which runs 10-week sessions in spring, fall and winter.

For more information, visit www.thehorseconnectioninc.net.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com