Victoria’s iconic carriage tour company launches GoFundMe to help sustain horses

Victoria's iconic carriage tour company launches GoFundMe to help sustain horses
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Victoria's Tally-Ho Carriage Tours is seeking financial help from the public to care for its horses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Victoria’s Tally-Ho Carriage Tours is seeking financial help from the public to care for its horses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tourism industry, like many others, has taken a massive blow since the onset of the novel coronavirus. With borders being shutdown, cruise ship travel being halted and communities being asked to stay home, numerous local businesses have had to cease operations entirely.

Tally-Ho Carriage Tours falls into this category, announcing they were closing up shop indefinitely on March 19 due to health concerns over COVID-19.

The organization that has been operating out of Victoria for 117 years is anticipating a closure that will last 12 months. With a herd of 18 draft horses, Tally-Ho has turned to a popular digital platform, GoFundMe, and launched a campaign in an effort to secure the funds needed to sustain proper care for its horses.

“Our horses are the heart of the Tally-Ho business and are considered part of our family,” said owner Donna Friedlander. “Even after laying off all staff and cutting all non-essential costs, our savings will not cover the horsesˊ feed, foot care, veterinarian care, shelter and base needs for long.”

According to Friedlander, Tally-Ho will be applying for federal assistance, however, she suggests that it will only be enough to cover some non-horse care business expenses.

“We know this is a very difficult and stressful time for all families and businesses, but we’re depending on the generosity of those that can afford it to help us keep our horses here and give them the standard of care they need,” said Friedlander.

GoFundMe is a website that allows people in the community and beyond to make a donation that will go towards the carriage tour’s cause.

Tally-Ho is hoping to reach the goal of $120,000 in order to provide all the necessities for all of their horses, outlining various tiers of donation amounts from $20 to $600 per month on the GoFundMe page.

Friedlander says that 100% of all support will be dedicated to horse care, and that Tally-Ho will post regular updates to keep donors informed about the horses and how their money is helping.

One day after the campaign launched on April 13, the donations have surpassed the $3,000 mark.

To find the GoFundMe campaign, you can click here.

 

 

 

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