Devonshire charity receives £5,000 donation from The Cadbury Foundation

South-Hams based organisation, Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled Group, has been chosen to receive a £5,000 grant, thanks to local employees from Mondelēz International.

The local group which provides people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy horse-riding in a safe and structured environment, has been granted the substantial donation from The Cadbury Foundation, as part of its ‘Your Charity Your Choice’ scheme.

Every year, all Mondelēz International employees are invited to nominate wellbeing-related charities or projects close to their hearts to receive a significant sum, with the final shortlisted charities up for vote across the wider workforce.

Erme Valley RDA was one of 11 organisations from across the UK to receive £5,000. The charity, which is led by a group of highly-qualified staff, provides a positive learning environment and carefully guides people with disabilities through the process of learning to ride, as well as how to interact with specialist horses.

Now in its 40th year, Erme Valley RDA currently teaches around 160 individual riders, each with physical, cognitive, sensory or social disorders. The organisation is fully reliant on donations and support from the local community, and is run by a committee of volunteers and helpers.

Peggy Douglas, a volunteer at Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled Group, said: “Thanks to this generous grant from The Cadbury Foundation, we were able to purchase a new lovely horse, Jack, who we have needed for riders and wanted to purchase for several years. The arrival of Jack has enabled us to support and teach more locals living with diabilities how to ride, which has been truly fantastic.”

Becky Warren, commercial finance manager at the Credition Mondelēz International site, nominated the organisation to receive the donation. Becky commented: “Horses have been a passion of mine for my whole adult life and I know first-hand the physical and mental benefits they bring to individuals.

“Having volunteered with Erme Valley RDA for the past eight years, I have seen first-hand the incredible work they do to support individuals with a range of disabilities and the joy it brings to people being around horses, so I’m delighted that my fellow colleagues chose them to receive this donation.”

The Cadbury Foundation was set up in 1935 in recognition of Richard and George Cadbury and their investment in the welfare of their employees and the local community, and to continue their work. Across all Mondelēz International UK sites, £77,000 has been pledged for this year’s ‘Your Charity Your Choice’ initiative.

Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, added: “Supporting wonderful charities and organisations that make a real difference to the lives of local communities  is exactly what The Cadbury Foundation is all about. So, we’re proud to know that thanks to the Foundation’s help, Erme Valley RDA will be able to ensure many more local people living with disabilities can discover the joy of horse riding.”

For more information on The Cadbury Foundation, please visitwww.cadbury.co.uk/cadbury-foundation, and for further details on Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled Group, head to http://www.ridingatthebrook.co.uk/.