PRESS RELEASE - Issued 19 August 2024

 

ONLINE ART & CRAFT AUCTION FOR RDA UNICORN CENTRE

 

The Riding for the Disabled Association’s Unicorn Centre which has been based in Hemlington, Middlesbrough for 26 years is launching its first ever online Art & Craft Auction to raise funds.

 

Over 100 fantastic original items have been donated by local talented amateur artists and a launch preview will be held at the Centre on Stainton Lane, Hemlington on Wednesday 21 August between 10am and 1pm with tea/biscuits or between 5pm and 8pm with wine/cheese/nibbles. Bids can be made at the preview with the online auction going live over the following days. 

 

Trustee Joan Northend said, “When I sent out a tentative social media post asking for donations, I had no idea there were so many generous local artists prepared to help our fundraising appeal to save our Centre from closure.  The display in our conference room is well worth a look, there are some beautiful items.  I’m still hoping that some of the well known artists in this area will also donate a small item.”

 

The online auction will be launched on the Unicorn Centre’s Facebook page following the launch preview.  All funds raised will be going to the Centre’s Rescue Appeal.

 

Invitation for Editors

 

You are warmly invited to attend our Art & Craft Auction Preview on Wednesday 21 August between 10am and 1pm or from 5 – 8pm.  Refreshments will be available.  Further information from Joan Northend on 07712 401340.

 

Note for Editors about our Fundraising Appeal

The Unicorn Centre provides horse riding and therapy for hundreds of adults and young people from throughout the Tees Valley.  It has become the latest in a long line of charities to fall victim to the devasting effects of the Covid lockdowns and now the cost of living crisis.  

 

Since 1998, the Unicorn Centre has provided disabled and impaired people the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health through education and fun with horses. It has 85 volunteers, 9 members of staff, a team of learning support workers and 10 horses and ponies. It also hosts riding lessons, competitions and events for the local community. It relies solely on fundraising, donations and grants to provide these vital services. 

 

Although there is a long list of children and adults waiting for horse riding lessons, the Centre does not have sufficient funds to cope with the rising running costs and has launched an ambitious fundraising appeal to raise £100,000.

 

Trustee Jackie Rubin said, “The Unicorn Centre has offered unique health, social and employment opportunities in our region for over quarter of a century. We have to save the Centre from closure, but it’s going to be a massive challenge.  If we can raise £100,000 it would give us the time to increase our activities, find more horses, carry out maintenance projects, apply for more grants and arrange fundraising events to get the Centre back on a more stable footing.  So we’re appealing to everyone to support us by making a donation to our appeal.

 

She continued, “As well as providing disabled riding lessons, the Centre reaches out to the community in many other ways. It offers  an award-winning Supported Volunteer Programme, regular sessions for people living with dementia, plus visits from our therapy pony.  There aren’t any other organisations offering these activities in this area and it will be devasting to all the participants and to our fantastic volunteer team if we cannot continue.  We really need everyone to rally round and help us.”

 

Donations to the Unicorn Centre appeal can be made by contacting the Centre on 01642 576222 or by their Just Giving platform on www.justgiving.com/page/rdaunicorncentre-future 

 

Further information and interviews: Jackie Rubin, Trustee 07825 249289.