September 17, 2023
Volunteers from the rental community onsite at PRDA
The ARA Foundation, in partnership with The Toro Company Foundation, completed a Community Impact Program project in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, to benefit Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA) — a not-for-profit, therapeutic equestrian riding center dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with a wide range of abilities.
On Sept. 6 and Sept. 7, volunteers from all three organizations worked together to improve the two indoor riding arenas, create a sensory path, a key new component to the therapy program, and trench in the paddock area to provide an electrical conduit so the electrical cords are underground, improving safety for staff and volunteers.
“It was wonderful to see rental members donating equipment and their time to improve the facilities at PRDA. Each project had a significant impact on enhancing the quality of the experience for the individuals served and gave ARA [American Rental Association] members networking opportunities and a chance to gain new skills while giving back to the community,” said Judson McNeil, ARA Foundation director of foundation programs and fundraising.
To complete the work at PRDA, over the two-day period more than 30 volunteers from ARA, The Toro Company Foundation and PRDA staff moved 1,800-lb. bags of arena footing material and resurfaced the two riding areas. Others painted the extensive baseboards and created the sensory path. All projects required the use of different equipment provided by local rental stores.
“We are beyond grateful for the generous support from ARA and The Toro Company Foundation for the significant impact they have made in support of PRDA riders,” said Erin Julihn, PRDA director of operations. “Each of the completed projects significantly supports the therapeutic riding experience of PRDA riders, empowering the PRDA staff and volunteers to best serve each one’s individual needs.”
The PRDA project is the second Community Impact Program project the ARA Foundation has completed in 2023. The next project is planned for Sept. 27 in Bigfork, Mont. Get details and sign up here.
The participants who made it happen
The ARA Foundation thanks the following companies that took part in the Community Impact Program project at Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities, Langley, British Columbia, Canada:
Toro, Bloomington, Minn.
Ditch Witch, Perry, Okla.
Brandt Tractor, Regina, Saskatchewan
Cooper Equipment Rentals, Mississauga, Ontario
Hub City Display, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Iron Mountain Equipment Rentals, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
Momenta Rents, Surrey, British Columbia
Northwest Rental Conference
Pedersen’s Rentals, Vancouver, British Columbia
Phoenix Tent & Event Rentals, Aldergrove, British Columbia
Rental Network, Squamish, British Columbia
Rentquip Canada, Richmond, British Columbia
