Knitting Donkeys for Charity
Pat and husband John were driven to Sidmouth by daughter Pauline, to hand over the mini herd of woolly donkeys and to spend the afternoon visiting their favourite residents. Pat’s knitted donkeys are so popular that one was sold as she was handing them over to our Fundraising Team!
Pat said “I have been knitting donkeys for the last three years; I fell in love with donkeys after being given an adoption donkey as a Christmas present and when I came to visit the Sanctuary, I thought these dear donkeys are adorable. When I heard I could help the donkeys by knitting them, I thought this was meant to be, as I have had five strokes and my doctor kept telling me to find something therapeutic to do. I don’t need to follow a pattern anymore because I have knitted 125 in total.”
Pat presented the donkeys to Ruth Burrough, from the Community Fundraising Department, Ruth said: “Pat has made a very kind gesture, and we are so grateful to her for taking the time to provide us with all these knitted donkeys, which we can sell and raise much needed funds to help donkeys around the world. Our work is funded entirely by donations, so we are always delighted to hear from new knitters, please do contact us if you would like us to send you a pattern.”
In these difficult economic times, the charity is not alone in feeling the financial squeeze and is affected by the increase in donkeys being relinquished into its care each month. Any donation, no matter how small, is always gratefully received. For further information about The Donkey Sanctuary or if you would like a knitting pattern please call 01395 578222 or visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
