The Darwin Turf Club and Silks Darwin are proud to announce that the 2020 charity partner has been named as Riding for the Disabled in the Top End.
Darwin Turf Club chief executive Brad Morgan said despite the late-notice carnival, it was important we gave back to the community.
“Riding for the Disabled in the Top End does incredible work in our community and we are proud to gift them $10,000 towards that work,” he said.
“Of course, horses hold a special place in our hearts here at the Darwin Turf Club but the work they do impacts our community far and wide.”
Riding for the Disabled in the Top End fundraising manager Tania Lesneuck said the money would go a long way to helping the organisation buying a larger horse and small pony in the immediate future.
She’s seen first hand the work they do – her son Max, 8, has a physical disability and has benefited from their programs.
“He uses a walker to get around but the horse riding is good exercise that’s really engaging, because if you don’t use your muscles, you’ll fall off,” she said.
“For a lot of the kids, it’s also a social and emotional thing, and helps them to communicate – we have quite a few kids who talk to our horses but can’t communicate with their family. It can be very emotional for our families.
“We’re extremely thankful for the donation from the Darwin Turf Club.”