Hi, my name is Burnie Mangano. I saw an ad online on Seek looking for more Volunteers at Riding for the Disabled, Tall Timbers Centre at Box Hill back in 2014.
After ringing the Centre, I came in on Thursday morning to see Nicole about helping. I filled out a form, saw a video on what the Centre does and how it works and started in the Thursday class that morning.
I watched from the side line and then with help from Charlie and Leigh I was sidewalking. By the second class I was leading a horse. Almost 5 years later I can look back and see that Charlie has helped me lot with the classes and the new mower, which was a bit hard at first but after a few minutes I got it. Then he also showed me the tractor so that I could help Chanida and Sophie by doing some harrowing of the paddocks, mowing and emptying the poo bins. It’s good to be Groundskeeper Willie – I’ve had a lot of funny times as well as a few hard times especially helping Chanida with Ozzy getting him up from the bottom paddock.
I got an Award at the Volunteer Lunch – The Volunteer Appreciation Award! l almost missed my name being called out because I did not expect to get it, it was a shock! I was very proud and would like to say a very big THANK YOU to all and especially to my Thursday people. Also thank you Kerry and Nicole. THANK YOU!
