Our Easter Egg Hunt was a big attraction again this year. Here we see Paddy Barrett, our PR Manager, drawing the winning tickets. Also in the photo is Jacinta O’Connor (centre), Fundraising Co-ordinator, and Martha Brennan (right), Visitor Centre Assistant.

It’s Marathon time again! The Dublin Lady’s Mini Marathon takes place on 7th June 2010. Entry forms are available for this event in The Evening Herald every Wednesday and Saturday from 3rd March. Forms can also be downloaded from the Dublin Marathon website - closing date for entries is 27th April 2010.

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.

I know some four legged friends that would give their right hoof for some of fundraiser Julie's delicious baking but like us, donkeys have to watch their figures too! Instead it was Julie’s lucky family and neighbours in Co Kildare that came in for an extra special treat last month when Julie, aged nine, held a cake sale at her house – with no less than 6 different pastry delights.

On a bright sunny June Bank Holiday Monday it was wonderful to see so many ladies gathered in the middle of Dublin city for the Flora Mini Marathon – 17 of which were running for the donkeys. 40,000 ladies in all ran through the streets of the city to raise some much needed funds for various charities throughout Ireland – a tremendous turn out on such a glorious day.

With so many donkeys needing help, The Donkey Sanctuary is always grateful for any assistance you may be able to give in raising much-needed funds. We are fortunate to have a large group of voluntary fundraisers who kindly help us in very many ways, this could be anything from a coffee morning every month, to an annual gala ball. All we ask for is as little or as much time as you feel you can give because every single cent assists us in our vital work.