The Donkey Sanctuary, Ireland

Hi everybody… Am not too sure this will still be time to wish you all, short and long-eared, a Happy New Year when this entry goes on line, but at least, I hope 2010 has treated you all well so far. And at any rate, I will still have a pretext to wish everybody a Happy New year, as the Chinese New Year will only start on February 14th! Regrettably, there is no Donkey Year in the Chinese astrological system. Maybe the case should be brought before the Jade Emperor some day…

Many of our website visitors and supporters use some kind of online social network, whether it be chatting with friends on Facebook or being entertained by videos on YouTube. As part of our effort to reach as many people as we can to promote our work, we now have a Facebook page where we invite you to become a fan.

The Environmental Society students from University College Cork held a table Quiz before Christmas for donkeys. A cheque for €412.60 was kindly presented to Paddy by Hazel Smith on behalf of the students - well done to all involved with this! The money will be very useful especially during this marathon cold snap where extra care and attention is needed to care for especially our older donkeys. If you are interested in running a similar fundraising event like Hazel and her friends please contact us at 022/48398 to receive one of our new Fundraising Packs.

Our basic donkey care courses are held at the Sanctuary in Liscarroll and at venues around the country beginning at 11am. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity; learn the basics from the experts at The Donkey Sanctuary. The training courses are absolutely free, but voluntary donations are always gratefully received.

Thanks to the generous grant of €50,000 from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister Brendan Smith the Sanctuary can continue its work in educating and raising awareness amongst young people into the future.

Public Relations Manager, Paddy Barrett, has a full programme planned for 2010 which involves visiting schools and reaching out to as many young people as possible promoting better donkey welfare and a heightened respect for animals.