The Merger of TEAD and SPCA

My daughter has been an active member of TEAD for seven years now. 18 months ago we received written notification of the amalgamation of TEAD and the SPCA. We have since attended volunteer appreciation events where both organizations recognized the contributions and hard work of its volunteers. There was never any mention that the amalgamation of the two organizations was not yet legalized. As a member, volunteer and mother of a rider at TEAD I had no idea that either a new or an old council of the SPCA could just hold a new vote and the entire amalgamation could be dissolved right before our eyes. I also hate how the entire battle of strong personalities on board councils hurt organizations with good missions over all. When the organizations first amalgamated my husband and I did question the compatibility of the two organizations, we were frankly quiet surprised to here that they had amalgamated but we had no idea that there was such controversy. We fear that this controversy will now hurt our organization TEAD who did an excellent job, providing written explanations and formal discussion about the merger to its members. I feel strongly that the new SPCA board needs to answer to how the two organizations who have functioned together for eighteen months can now be split apart with no thoughts to how to support TEAD out of this mess.

I will speak about the organization TEAD to explain its terrific programs and how children with disabilities receive riding instruction in a club that I know as outstanding. My nine year old daughter Cassandra chose riding as her sport and has grown to be very accomplished on a horse through excellent instructors in a well organized program. Learning equestrian riding, forging valued friendships, participating in demonstrations of therapeutic ridding and working in the barns caring for therapeutic horses has been a part of her entire life. Cassandra with cerebral palsy supported by TEAD showcased therapeutic riding at the Royal Winter Fair. Four young disabled riders participated in the Musical Ride dressed in a lion costume. They thrilled audiences in the Spirit of the Horse Arena riding to theme of lion king and TEAD instructors and directors arranged the entire event two years in a row. Cassandra has experienced dreams of a lifetime for a young equestrian rider. She has been sponsored to ride some of her lessons and we were not charged money when she participated and showcased her talent’s as lots of donations go directly to young riders. Cassie met the entire Olympic Jumping Team, was awarded ribbons and a gift of riding gloves from VIP equestrians such as Ian Millar and Jill Henselwood. The Royal Winter Fairs professional photographer Michelle Dunn personally delivered a life size poster of Cassie riding her therapeutic horse Champion and this poster hangs proudly in the Clubhouse at TEAD. Other events included participating in a days event at Foxcroft riding stables showcasing therapeutic riding. Cassandra spent the day with other horse enthusiasts riding and hanging out with dozens of able bodied young horse crazed girls who toured her around their stables and shared their love of horses and riding with our young girl. Cassie also competed in Ontras Prince Philip games and place second with her team of four disabled riders and continues to have dreams of competing in pare Olympic events. These events were significant to my daughter’s love of equestrian riding and were organized by the executive director of TEAD Hillary Web. I have not even begun to describe her weekly lessons include; high quality instruction, Cassandra has bonded with her lifelong friends Katelyn and Ashyln. Along with her best ridding buddies she loves a spectacular family with three disabled children Damian, Tina and Eva who meet Cassie each week with smiles, friendship and the love of learning to ride horses. Any time I have had financial difficulties paying for the expensive riding lessons that help rehabilitate my daughter; TEAD looks for sponsorship, helps me fill out forms for grants and special funding and waits for payments that I have made late. Cassie continues each week to ride thanks to the countless volunteers and financial donations TEAD receives. Cassie is quite an accomplished nine- year old equestrian rider.

The dogfight that has erupted between existing board members and the past board member at the SPCA is a terrible shame and controversy. I do not understand the business side of organizations but as a contributor financially to non-profit organizations it is important to tell a donor exactly where their money is being used. It was my understanding that the SPCA would use special project funds and donations and partner with TEAD who does a terrific job fundraising and is forth coming in how their money is used. The question of fit of the two organizations; and the philosophy of whether a charity offering equine therapy to children with disabilities and a charity that helps abused and abandoned animals should have been answered in full prior to the amalgamation. This dogfight has hurt the reputation of the SPCA and it is my desired to protect the organization TEAD as for six years it has been my daughters home away from home, club and summer day camp. All my daughter cares about is the organization stays strong, continues to provide the excellent level riding experience and that other children benefit in the way she has growing up involved in this wonderful organization. I pray the division of the SPCA and TEAD does not hurt TEAD and if it does shame on everyone of the board members of the SPCA new and old alike. It is time to get your act together.

Kathy Fruck

Member, volunteer and mother of a young rider at TEAD