A local non-profit organization opened its doors on the weekend and the public came in big time.
The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) presented its “Fall Fair” last Sunday with a variety of events and activities both inside and outside of the McGregor facility.
Vendors were inside and people got to tour the barns to see the horses and other animals, take carriage rides, visit with young ponies outside, enjoy food trucks and watch one of the two Border City Barkers dog agility shows.
“We have over 70 different vendors on site,” said program director Paige Shepley. “The (Windsor-Essex County) Humane Society has small animals here for adoption. We have a variety of activities for families to enjoy.”
It was the third annual Fall Fair at WETRA and it was a chance for the organization to not only show the public what they do but raise some much needed funds in the process.
“It’s an opportunity to share what we do with the community but also to raise some funds for our programs,” said Shepley. “We are hoping to bring in around $10,000.”
The proceeds will benefit the entire organization and keep it sustainable, with Shepley adding it is a seven day per week operation. Programming is six days per week but caring for the horses and other animals means there have to be people there to carry out those necessary tasks.
“We have about 200 people we see on a weekly basis,” she said. “We have about 80 volunteers and 21 horses.”
Fundraising helps offset the costs of caring for the animals and to deliver the services, Shepley stated.
The Fall Fair was a way to get the message out about what WETRA does and bring people back after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s nice to see so many people back at the farm,” she said. “We definitely h ave been trying to get our name out into the community more.”
WETRA is continuing its fundraising its fundraising with its “Pony Up for WETRA” raffle and they will also have an online Christmas raffle. A yoga on the farm event is planned for Oct. 25. More information on upcoming events can be found at www.wetra.ca.
According to its website: “Nearly 200 persons with disabilities receive therapy at WETRA each week. About 80 per cent of those who are enrolled in the program are children who have developmental, emotional or physical disabilities. The remaining 20 per cent are adults with similar diversities. Children and adults with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, head injuries, post stroke and learning disabilities enjoy the physical and psychological benefits of equine assisted therapies.”
WETRA is located at 3323 North Malden Road. In addition to the website, people can also call 519-726-7682 or e-mail info@wetra.ca for information.
"Fall Fair" draws crowds to WETRA's farm in McGregor
By Ron Giofu
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