The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association in British Columbia released a short promotional video via Facebook in 2018 in order to generate donations. They had no idea that their little commercial would go viral with more than 560,000 views in just 5 days!
Shot from the perspective of long-time CTRA therapy horse Ember, the video is intended to spread the message "that everyone is special in their own way."
“We were really surprised by how many online hits the video has received since we first released it last week,” Jennifer Barnes van Elk, the development officer for the CTRA told the Surrey Now-Leader. “We have more than 500,000 so far from countries as far away as Germany and Australia. It makes people both laugh and cry and captures an array of emotions from viewers.”
The touching clip was made by Maddie Mahon, a media production student who used to work at CTRA.
Ember is a 10-year old Norwegian Fjord horse. Despite his small stature, he is indeed a champion in the eyes of those he helps - and everyone who sees him in action!
According to Barnes van Elk, the CTRA relies on private donations and does not receive any form of government funding.
The donation amount generated by the promo has yet to be determined, but Barnes van Elk says she hopes it will also inspire new volunteers to come out and lend a hand to a worthy cause.
Learn more about and the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Program or make a donation by visiting CTRA.ca.
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H/T & Featured Screenshot via Surrey Now-Leader
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