Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/112499
president���s message PROVIDING OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND VALUE is a big part of our mission and promise to you, our Members ��� as is our commitment to making a meaningful difference in communities throughout B.C. So on May 1 of this year we were fortunate to have the opportunity to volunteer at Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society ( ST a RS ) in Vancouver. Designed to provide remedial/educational horseback riding experiences for those with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities, STaRS is a unique therapeutic program developed with the input of psychologists, special educators and therapists. The non-profit���s mantra says it all: ���Disability Doesn���t Mean Inability.��� For, as STaRS��� instructors, workers, volunteers and participants enthusiastically confirm, the nonprofit���s private, one-on-one horseback rides can have a remarkable effect on the wellbeing of those with special needs ��� of all ages and backgrounds. Like many charities, though, STaRS is challenged by the high cost of resources, and that���s where BCAA���s management team 6 WESTWORLD p06-07_Pres.Message.indd 6 >> stepped in this spring. Over the course of a day, 125 BCAA managers built several outdoor shelters, painted external buildings, designed a children���s playground and constructed wheelchair-accessible ramps ��� and more. It was incredibly satisfying work. Yet the most powerful moment was seeing one of the children ��� who had been watching us work from her wheelchair all day ��� mount a horse and ride around the enclosure with the help of her four coaches. To witness this young rider rein in her horse on her own, then balance with her arms extended, was truly special. I would like to extend our deepest thanks to STaRS for welcoming us to their facilities, as well as to our partner Belfor Canada for assisting with the on-site construction projects that helped make the day possible. Giving back to Member communities throughout B.C. is definitely in our DNA at BCAA. It���s also why, in addition to our volunteer day at STaRS and annual United Way campaign, we support hundreds of employees at BCAA in volunteering at the charity of their choice throughout the year. We look forward to finding even more ways to make a difference. ba. Visit bcaa.com/volunteerday for a short video of BCAA���s volunteer day at STaRS, and to learn more about sponsoring a STaRS rider directly. Tim Condon President and CEO, BCAA FA L L 2 0 1 2 12-08-17 1:42 PM