Young Tauranga people with disabilities are making a difference at Riding for the Disabled (RDA) by volunteering to keep the grounds neat and tidy.

This week, four young adults from Recreate, a charitable trust, are out weeding the Sensory Trail in the sunshine.

However, some of them would prefer to be in the stables working with the horses. Recreate empowers young people with disabilities, offering adventure, recreation, and work-skills programmes.

Isaac, a Special Olympics competitor, is known for making delicious fudge. Andre holds a paid job at Woolworths, Alice volunteers at Ōtumoetai College and a child care centre, while Mikayla helps at a charity shop in Greerton, selling her beaded bracelets.

Every fortnight, they volunteer at RDA, contributing a couple of hours to the cause.

This volunteer work provides them with a sense of purpose and opportunities to develop new skills and engage in social interactions. Recreate staff member Adam Barrett said the experience was beneficial for the young people.

“They get a sense of accomplishment from their work, and build their skills as well as a social element,” Barrett said. “We’re hoping Alice’s child care volunteering will lead to paid employment.”

He added that Mikayla initially wasn’t keen on horses, but has since formed a strong bond with one and now loves it.

Recreate also runs life skills sessions and weekend trips, including recent adventures to National Park for whitewater rafting and rock climbing.

Recreate’s Moxie arm offers purposeful work experience for young people with mild to moderate intellectual, physical, or sensory disabilities, helping them make meaningful contributions to the community.

RDA Volunteer Coordinator Angela O'Donnell said volunteers are the backbone of the organisation.

“Without our volunteers, we would be unable to serve 170 riders per week,” O'Donnell said.