Staff from The Donkey Sanctuary based in Liscarroll will be raising awareness about its cause at East Glendalough School in Wicklow on Wednesday 25th February from 9.00 am till 11.00 am, thanks to a €50,000 grant.

The Donkey Sanctuary which is home to over 400 unwanted and neglected donkeys was awarded with the grant of €50,000 by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr Brendan Smith T.D in December.

The charity makes regular visits to schools to help youngsters learn more about donkeys and general animal welfare.

Paddy Barrett, Public Relations Manager for the charity says: "We find that it is vital to teach youngsters about donkey care and welfare as they are the animal owners of the future. Without this grant we wouldn't be able to carry out our educational work which reaches hundreds of children across the country."

The Irish-based Donkey Sanctuary is connected to The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon which is the largest of its kind in the world.

The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon has just launched its Sanctuary from Suffering awareness campaign. During its 40th anniversary celebrations it aims to highlight the hard work that goes on overseas to give working donkeys a chance to rest and receive expert veterinary care.

For further information about The Donkey Sanctuary, please telephone 022 483 98.