Yukon residents with a disability will continue to benefit from a unique outdoor opportunity, thanks to a contribution from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

The Freedom Trails Riding Association is a therapeutic horseback riding program for people of all ages with a disability. Over a 10-week session in the summer, founder and facilitator Judy Fortin offers life skill games and exercises, physical exercises, exercises based on physiotherapist goals and trail rides.

'I went to Swampy Acres in Juneau where they had a petting zoo,' Fortin explained, when asked about the origin of Freedom Trails. 'I thought, that's what I want to do. But they also had a therapeutic riding program and then I thought, No, that's really what I want to do.''

Now, with an 11th season under her belt, Fortin will finally be getting a much-needed financial boost.

About two years ago, Fortin met local McDonald's owners Mike and Julie Thorpe, and began inquiring about support for her riding program.

On Thursday, Mike presented Fortin with a cheque for $3,162, on behalf of RMHC. The money will go toward special equipment, such as a mirror for the training area, some tack and an English saddle.

'It's very exciting, especially with the thought of a mirror,' said Fortin. 'I've seen them in Outside programs. It's very exciting for the riders to see themselves on a horse.

'I'm sure it will increase their self-esteem and also, it will be used to correct posture.'

The mandate of RMHC is to assist registered charities whose programs are community-oriented and focus on improving the quality of life for children and families of children with serious and/or life-threatening illnesses or disabilities.

RMHC has been helping children and families in the Yukon since 1988 and has now donated over $166,000 to charities in the territory. Fortin's group is the ninth to receive funding in the past two decades.

Groups such as the Child Development Centre, Arts Canada North, Yukon Hospital Corporation, Learning Disabilities Association of the Yukon and Yukon Association for Community Living have all previously benefited from RMHC.

Mike said Freedom Trails is certainly a worthy recipient.

'Since meeting (Fortin), my wife Julie and I have been very impressed with the type of programming that she offers to some very special children and with the level of professionalism that she displays in representing Freedom Trails.

'I have always felt that working with children, especially those that have the types of disabilities that Judy works with, takes a special kind of person and Judy truly represents that.

'We can see her passion for what she does every time we meet and she has been working on this grant application for close to a year now, which shows me that she is very dedicated to the program and the people that it serves.'

Mike emphasized that the cheque came from the nationally-funded RMHC, not the local restaurant. The local owners' goal, he said, is to endorse locally registered charities and help them get approved by RMHC.

He and his wife Julie encouraged other registered charities in the Yukon to look to RMHC to help them help kids as well. Those interested can visit the website at www.rmhc.ca and fill out a funding application.