The staff at Raymond James usually spend their time providing wealth management services to their clients, but they left their desks behind to lend a hand at North Ferriby Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

North Ferriby RDA is a volunteer-led, self-funded charity running a therapy centre to provide the opportunity for people of all ages and disabilities to interact with and learn to ride horses, ponies and donkeys.

Areas on the site had become untidy, overgrown with weeds and nettles and the stables were in need of a lick of paint, to protect and preserve their life, especially from the elements, being at the side of the Humber. The charity is run by volunteers who spend time feeding the animals, delivering its service and mainitaining the site.

James Chandler, Branch Principal, Raymond James East Yorkshire, said: “We really wanted to contribute to a small local charity and make a difference to the people who run the facility. We wanted to gain some perspective on life.”

Staff at Raymond James regularly pass the therapy Centre, so it made sense for them to volunteer there as it they could really feel they were benefitting their community.

Georgia Cambridge, employee of Raymond James, East Yorkshire, said: “We really enjoyed getting out into the local community and helping such a great charity, as well as working alongside colleagues in a different environment to the office. We all had a great day!”

North Ferriby RDA Charity manager Debra Pea was delighted with the work. She said: “On a very hot Tuesday we welcomed volunteers from Raymond James. They got stuck in straight away. As our regular volunteers’ time is usually taken up with animal involvement, having additional volunteers to carry out much-needed tasks such as these, is much appreciated day, we thank them so much.”

The Charity relies on funding to deliver its service, therefore support to maintain the site makes a huge difference and protects vital charitable funds. Clearing the nettles not only made the site safe, especially for children, but it improved the appearance of the Centre. Painting/protecting the stables is all part of the Centre’s upkeep and prolongs the life of the stables which is crucial.

James Chandler, Raymond James added: “We use the HEY Smile Foundation to organise our activities due to their deep knowledge and wide contact base of local charities. They make sure the day can just be fun and hassle free.”