ACHIEVING OUR FULL POTENTIAL
The Nigerian Igbo cultural proverb tells us that it takes a village to raise a child and English poet John Donne acknowledges the interconnections of all people by stating that no man is an island.
These statements touch all of our lives, but not in equal measure. People living with special needs, such foster children or people with mental or physical disabilities, readily understand their need for help from others, while some who are fully functional may live in denial, convinced that they can go it alone - until, until the need arises and they may be unequipped to seek and accept help.
Helping and engaging with people living difficult circumstances forms a full circle of giving and receiving in which all are rewarded with a deeper understanding and appreciation of our shared humanity and our need for one another to achieve our fullest potential.
MEET JEFFREY BEAUSOLEIL
BORN TO PUSH BOUNDARIES
Entering the world without a right foot or right hand, both Jeffrey Beausoleil and his parents were determined to transcend the limitations that others might set before him. As he said in a recent interview with Horse and Hound magazine "All my life I've wanted to prove people wrong." His recent association with, and love for, horses coupled with that desire to reach for new horizons, brought him to the barn doors of the Canadian Paralymic Dressage team and to Susan Jamieson of Red Scarf Equestrian in Collingwood, Ontario. Susan, in turn, brought Jeffrey to Dunrovin.
Susan Jamieson, and Dunrovin owner, SuzAnne Miller, came together through their mutual love of horses and their conviction that horses have something very special to offer humanity. As they got to know one another, they decided to join forces to expand DaysAtDunrovin's cyber front porch for internet viewers from across the world. They want to help people find solace in nature, in the wilderness, in arts and among people of generous heart by means of a virtual presence. Read about their meeting at Buoyed by Birds: Soaring with Harriet.
As Susan learned more about DaysAtDunrovin's ability to bring joy and friendship to people who may be home bound, she thought about Jeffrey, his confidence to tackle new challenges, and his open, winning personality that inspires others. What if the members of the DaysAtDunrovin virtual village could come along with Jeffrey in his training quest to secure a seat on the Canadian Paralympic Team? What if the coaches and staff of the Canadian Paralympic team would invite DaysAtDunrovin to install web camera equipment in their Montreal training facilities so that people from across the world could truly understand the amount of courage and fortitude such a pursuit would entail? What if Jeffrey's village of support could expand to include others who will never have such an opportunity but could be motivated to reach for their own stars? Would not everyone benefit from such a collaboration?
Through Susan's hard work and Jeffrey's openness and trust, Jeffrey has issued a most generous invitation to Come Ride With Me.
In meeting Jeffrey and better understanding the complexities of his life and the myriad of people who have assisted him along the way, SuzAnne reconnected with the Shriner's Children Hospitals. She has been engaged with them as a young Rainbow Girl in the Masonic Order when she organized a fundraising effort on their behalf. Recalling their tireless work to serve families of children with disabilities at no cost motivated SuzAnne to approach the board of the Friends of Dunrovin about repeating such an effort to raise funds to assist the 23 Shriner's Children's Hospitals across North America.
The Equine Art Extravaganza is the Friends of Dunrovin's signature fundraising event and is a perfect way to honor Jeffrey, his upcoming journey to partner with a horse and train for the Canadian Paralympic Dressage team, and the community of support that will help him reach that goal. The event's 2020 theme of "It Take a Herd" reflects the support that both horses and humans naturally give one another to thrive.
Please join us in supporting the Shriner's Children's Hospitals by participating in the Equine Art Extravaganza.