OUR HISTORY

In 1979, WindReach founder, Mr. Alexander (Sandy) J. Mitchell, MBE. acquired the land for WindReach Farm in Ontario, Canada and developed the property into a fully-accessible working farm which was officially opened in 1989. Building on the success of the Canadian facility WindReach Recreational Village, was officially opened on October 1, 1999.

WindReach is a fully-accessible 4 acre facility located in Warwick Parish, Bermuda, featuring a multi-purpose Activity Centre, Petting Zoo, Sensory Nature Trail, Therapeutic Riding Centre, and a fully-accessible playground, campground and picnic area.

WindReach is unique in that it offers a variety of therapeutic and educational experiences for persons of all physical and intellectual abilities. Today, WindReach Bermuda hosts some 30,000 visits each year, and continues to have a profound impact upon the quality of life of Bermuda’s special needs community.

OUR FOUNDER

"Of course we can" has long been a familiar response from the founder of WindReach, Mr. Alexander (Sandy) J. Mitchell, MBE. Sandy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was very young but has not allowed what might be seen as a disability by others to affect his positive outlook and his accomplishments in life.

He is a successful businessman and a keen outdoorsman who participates in sailing, cross country skiing and horseback riding, among other sports. In 2008, Sandy represented Bermuda as an equestrian at the Beijing Paralympics and was an inspiration to Paralympic athletes from around the world. Sandy has dedicated his life to building inclusive community facilities that provide special needs persons with the skills and opportunities for a meaningful life and leads by example in presenting positive role models for special needs and able-bodied people alike.

Sandy Mitchell is living proof that the care and determination of one person can make a significant difference in the lives of thousands.

THE PEOPLE WE SERVE

The WindReach facilities are used by persons with a wide range of abilities and special needs from the mild to the more profound, including Bermuda’s growing senior population.

Some of the visitors are persons recovering from injuries that have left them temporarily or permanently disabled. Visitors come on their own or with caregivers and use the facilities for physical therapy and job training.

For the most part however, WindReach visitors are the clients of some 100 organizations that use the facility as an important component of their programmes; organizations such as the Ministry of Education, the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, the Bermuda Autism Support & Education Society, Bermuda’s Senior’s homes and many others.