Thunderbird Show Park Raises $30k+ for Rice for Families Program

The FEI Longines World Cup Jumping event at the premiere Langley equestrian facility this year was one for the books. Not only did Thunderbird Show Park have the largest spectator crowds to date and one of the largest participating horse-counts ever, but they were able to surpass their goal of raising $30,000 CA to support one full year of JustWorld's Rice for Families Program in Cambodia.JustWorld has worked with People Improvement Organization (PIO) in Cambodia to fund the construction of two schools: Stung Mean Chey (SMC) at a municipal garbage dump and Borey Keila in an urban slum, and continues to provide operational costs for SMC as well. As a result of JustWorld's support last year, 850 students received an education, scored above average on national public school exams, and received daily lunches and health care.Seven years ago Thunderbird Show Park teamed up with JustWorld International for their "Adopt a Project" campaign, adopting PIO's Rice for Families Program in Cambodia. Through the generosity of the horse show, riders, and guests, they have raised more than $127,000 since the partnership originated. All funds raised by Thunderbird support the Rice for Families program where each student with good attendance receives 5 kg of rice each month for their family. This significantly reduces the need for these children to gather food scraps or pick through trash to earn money for their families instead of going to school. Thunderbird helps give 650 of PIO's children the ability to go to school with the proper nutrition and tools for success.This year, Thunderbird’s goal was to raise $30,000 to support one full year of the Rice for Families Program. Thanks to generous donations from Steel-Craft Door Productions, LTD, vendors, local supporters, horse show attendees, and of course Thunderbird Show Park, multiple fundraising initiatives proved to be a successful contribution toward their goal.JustWorld and Thunderbird organized the most successful Clear the Jump initiative yet for JustWorld at the show. Riders and spectators alike signed up to make a pledge to donate to JustWorld each time the JustWorld jump in the ring was successfully cleared during the competition. With the jump being cleared a total of fifty-eight times, the Clear the Jump raised an impressive $15,626.Horse show competitors and guests had the chance to bid on some incredible items in this year's silent auction. Some of the fantastic items up for grabs included a beautiful Longines watch donated by JustWorld's longtime partner, Longines, Coldplay concert tickets, and a variety of other exciting packages. Guests also had the special opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime drawing for a custom pair of F.lli Fabbri boots donated by Equus Integral.Jane Tidball, Show President, reflected on this year's show and shared, "One of my heartfelt highlights was that we were able to raise more than $40,000 CA for our charitable partner, JustWorld International, to help break the poverty cycle with the Cambodia Rice for Families project." The success of the fundraising initiatives are a culmination of the hard work and dedication of Thunderbird Show Park and their wonderful supporters.JustWorld would like to sincerely thank our devout partner, Thunderbird Show Park, for believing in JustWorld's mission and supporting JustWorld's fundraising initiatives. You are a shining example of equestrians giving back and because of that, you are making the world a better place.Equestrians and non-equestrians alike are invited to join Thunderbird Show Park and other JustWorld Ambassadors in becoming part of something life-changing, powerful and impactful. Please visit www.justworldinternational.org to learn more about how you can get involved.