Pegasus Riding for the Disabled says it can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
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The much-loved Canberra institution says it has been saved by the community after facing almost certain demise earlier in the year.
While the ACT government knocked back its request to more than double its annual funding to stave off closure, the generous Canberra community has refused to allow the charity to go under.
Pegasus Riding for the Disabled ACT executive director Margaret Morton said an extraordinary response from all levels of the community - from church groups to schools to business sponsors - meant there was now more certainty for the not-for-profit organisation.
''We can now see a future for Pegasus,'' she said. ''Pegasus is flying!''
More than $200,000 has been raised by community donations in the past six months. Volunteers experienced in fund-raising and corporate governance had also given their time and expertise for free to shore up its administration.
That has allowed Pegasus to continue providing equestrian activities for people with disabilities, as it has for 40 years.
Ms Morton said the support had been humbling. ''Everyone has really come to the party and said, 'This is really worthwhile and we want to save it','' she said. ''People here want to support our children, their families, the volunteers and our very important and special workmates - our horses. They want what is right and fair for everyone.''
Ms Morton had asked the government to increase its annual funding to Pegasus from $230,000 to $500,000 for at least four years, fearing the organisation would have to close as early as June.
She had blamed dwindling donations and competition from national charities for limited funds for the plight of the organisation.
A spokesman for Disability, Children and Young People Minister Joy Burch said Pegasus would continue to receive annual funding of $230,000 until June next year, when Pegasus would have to seek support through the national disability insurance scheme.
The spokesman said Disability ACT had commissioned business adviser RSM Bird Cameron to review Pegasus' financial viability.
Pegasus has, in the meantime, started to charge its clients to use its services for the first time in 40 years
''We now have to look toward better and smarter ways to both operate our business and professionally fund raise,'' Ms Morton said.