More than $7000 has been donated to Bairnsdale’s Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) thanks to the generosity of The Big Red Shed owner/operator Sharon Devoogd and her husband Peter.
Her involvement started when several RDA horses were agisted on the property.
When these horses moved on, Ms Devoogd wanted to continue supporting the organisation so decided to build a big shed with her husband’s help, and sell home-grown flowers, with all profits going to the RDA.
“RDA does terrific work in the community, assisting people of varying ages and abilities to develop their confidence, physical skills, and enjoy life,” Ms Devoogd said.
Since its beginnings in 2000, the Big Red Shed has continued to support the local RDA, with all profits from Ms Devoogd’s flower and plant sales going to the local charity.
Soon, people started bringing their arts, crafts and other stalls to the shed for sale. Ms Devoogd accepted on one condition; that 10 per cent of all profits be donated to the RDA.
To date, she has raised more than $7000 for the Bairnsdale RDA, with funds used to support the horses and provide vital equipment for the purely voluntary group.
Ms Devoogd will be finishing up at the end of March this year. There will be a 30 per cent discount on all items sold until then.
The Big Red Shed is at 400 Forge Creek Road, Bairnsdale, open Friday to Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
