Donkeys at our centres in Sidmouth and Leeds have received a special crunchy treat, following donations of carrots from two leading supermarkets.
Our international headquarters in Sidmouth has received 150 kg of carrots from our local Waitrose store in Sidmouth, while our Leeds centre took in a delivery of more sackfuls of the vegetable from a local branch of Morrisons. The mountains of carrots were met with delight by donkeys and staff alike.
The donated carrtots will provide a much needed treat for the hundreds of rescued and relinquished donkeys currently being cared for in our centres across the UK. They will also be used for enrichment activities, such as hiding carrots within regular haylage and straw to encourage the donkeys’ instinctive foraging behaviour.
Local business support for donkeys
Alex Hill, Partner & Deputy Branch Manager at Waitrose said: “Waitrose in Sidmouth is delighted to be able to support a wide range of local organisations during this challenging period. Having already donated as much food as was required for local groups, we were pleased to be able to continue our longstanding friendship with The Donkey Sanctuary team with this donation.”
At the Yeadon branch of Morrisons in Leeds, instead of wasting fresh produce nearing its sell by date, quick thinking staff called our Leeds centre to see if the donkeys could make use of the spare carrots.
Vikki Blake and Darren Wilkinson from The Donkey Sanctuary, Leeds collected 17 trays full of carrots from the supermarket for the centre’s 21 resident donkeys who deliver donkey-assisted therapy for vulnerable children and adults throughout the community.
Cathryn Hampshire, Centre Manager, Leeds said: “Like all charities, we are facing many challenges at the moment, but to know businesses like Morrisons are thinking about supporting our donkeys at this difficult time is hugely appreciated. We are so grateful for all the support we are receiving from local businesses, staff, volunteers and supporters alike."
