Five horse savvy Geelong Refinery employees have volunteered to assist Rainbow Riders prepare for and participate in riding activities at Connewarre.
Young people referred to Rainbow Riders have usually suffered significant disadvantage or illness, many struggle at school, have problems relating to other people and exhibit challenging and/or socially inappropriate behaviour.
By encouraging interaction between young people and horses, the Rainbow Riders program seeks to nurture problem-solving skills and improve the self-confidence and social skills of disadvantaged young people.
Geelong Refinery General Manager Huck Poh believes the program enhances the life skills of local youths.
“Working with horses teaches patience, logic, method and the ability to communicate, which are skills which can be applied to general life,” said Dr Poh.
BacLinks specialises in linking business with community, to promote positive social outcomes.
As a premier BacLinks business partner, Shell Geelong Refinery offers support through employee volunteering, goods and expertise.
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Riding activities will take place from 1.15pm to 2.30pm. To arrange an interview please call BacLinks project officer, Tracy Bull, on 0438 513 172 or BacLinks manager Sheree Holdsworth on 0409 520 075.
