With its array of donated items like clothes, books and bric-a-brac, newly opened The Thrift & Thrive Shop on Kingussie Street in Kenmore may look like just another secondhand store, but it stands for a unique and noble purpose.
Officially opened on Friday, 1st March 2019, the new thrift shop aims to serve the community by raising money for Reason to Thrive’s equine-assisted learning programs.
Photo credit: Reason to Thrive video/Facebook
Reason to Thrive is a registered charitable institution. The organisation promotes the wellbeing of disabled and at-risk children or adults experiencing distress and/or mental health problems. It does this through equine-assisted learning (EAL) and therapy.
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What is Equine-Assisted Learning?
EAL is an innovative form of experiential learning that encourages disadvantaged or disengaged individuals to gain emotional control. Also, the equine-human interaction helps develop effective communication and body language skills.
This type of therapy is suitable for all ages and no horse knowledge or experience is necessary.
Horses are in tune with human behaviour. They often act as a mirror of people’s internal landscape, so constant interaction with these creatures helps an individual acquire heightened self-awareness.
Interactions with equines also provide opportunities to teach critical life skills such as trust, respect, compassion, honesty, humility, and communication.
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Overall, participants gain self-esteem, self-confidence and all critical elements supporting self-growth from relational experiences with horses.
Reason to Thrive develops programs for:
- Disengaged youth
- Special needs kids
- Veterans and their families
- Women’s Empowerment
- Survivors of domestic violence
- People facing mental health challenges
If you can’t make a donation, you are welcome to visit The Thrift & Thrive Shop and snap up a bargain. It is a fantastic opportunity for a small charity.
For details, click here.
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