MPP for Simcoe-Grey, Brian Saunderson Meets the Tuff Team

We were thrilled to have Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey, visit the farm recently to find out more about what it is we do as well as talk about the grant Tuff received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

The two-year long grant has been used to expand our programs and allow for additional groups of youth at-risk to take part in the Tuff equine therapy programs.

“Congratulations to the team at the Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation on the positive impact they are making in the lives of youth,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “This vital provincial funding has been put to excellent use and has allowed the organization to expand its reach, thus helping more young people build confidence, resilience, and hope for the future.”

“Simcoe County has seen a substantial increase in the need for Mental Health support, for youth at risk particularly since Covid. With the support of OTF through the Resilient Communities Fund, Tuff has been able to reach out and provide direct service to many of these youth. In addition, this grant has enabled Tuff to develop relationships with new funders in Simcoe as well as recruit new volunteers in the community. The impact of this direct service and these new partnerships have had a significant impact on youth at risk in Simcoe. Big thanks to OTF and their Simcoe team for their support!!”

- Ellen Downey, Founder/CEO, Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation

You can read more about the recognition event as well as the OTF grant as covered by Bradford Today, here.

Further coverage from New Tecumseth The Times, can be found here.