We offer several ways for you to pay tribute to the life of someone special and make a lasting difference to the lives of donkeys and the people who depend on them.

Funeral or memorial collections

Organise a collection in aid of The Donkey Sanctuary at a funeral or memorial service.

We can provide special collection envelopes or simply mark the anniversary of someone special by making a donation on that date, knowing that all money raised goes to supporting our vital work. To request collection envelopes, please contact us.

Gerald and Carol Law

Gerald and Carol Law

A fitting memorial to Carol

"I became involved with The Donkey Sanctuary through my late wife, Carol. She was concerned by the plight of these lovely creatures, who she found to be gentle and friendly. Over the years Carol enjoyed following the work of The Donkey Sanctuary and adopted several donkeys.

When Carol was sadly taken from me, rather than spending money on floral tributes, I asked the mourners to make a contribution to the work of The Donkey Sanctuary. I was touched when the amount raised was £172 and I like to think that the support this money will give will be a fitting memorial to Carol.

When I sorted out Carol's affairs I decided that another way of carrying on her memory would be to continue her support of The Donkey Sanctuary in my name - so this is what I have done. I also plan to leave a legacy to The Donkey Sanctuary.

Carol was a gentle, caring and generous person and the world is a sadder place now that she is no longer with us, but I am comforted in the thought that while her generosity continues she is not really gone."

- Gerald Law

In Memory tribute funds

Celebrate the life of a loved one by setting up your own online Justgiving page for friends and family to make a donation in memory.

First, create an account on JustGiving and then start fundraising choosing The Donkey Sanctuary as your chosen charity. Simply select "Start fundraising" to create your fundraising page.

Some people bake cakes, some run marathons and others simply make a donation on a significant date like a birthday or anniversary. Contact our community fundraisers for advice and inspiration.

Memorial Day

Remember loved ones at our Memorial Day service, held in early October around the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals. Families of those whose names are inscribed around the sanctuary are invited to a service held by a priest, followed by a blessing of the memorials. We can also organise flowers for your memorial.

Want to know more?

Please note that unfortunately we are no longer able to offer memorial plaques at our Sidmouth site. Over the years, it has been our privilege to remember and honour loved ones through memorial plaques and we will of course continue to cherish the memory of each and every one. However, we currently maintain 8 miles of walkways housing memorial trees and plaques and very unfortunately we have now run out of both space and capacity to install more, without compromising the care and attention we give to each one of our existing plaques. We are currently looking into alternative ways of remembering a loved one at our Sidmouth sanctuary.

Our memorial benches, trees and plaques remain the property of The Donkey Sanctuary who are responsible for maintenance and upkeep.

We want all visitors to enjoy our natural, beautiful surroundings. Artificial flowers and ornaments are not allowed to be placed on memorial benches, trees or plaques, and shrubs are also not allowed to be planted around the memorial trees. Please understand that we will remove these to protect the welfare of the donkeys and other wildlife.