With another cold snap upon us, this time of year we like to take extra special care of our elderly residents. One of the ways we do that is by making sure they all have something warm in their tummies throughout the day.

In 2012, thanks to your kind generosity, we were able to raise enough funds to install a hot water tank in our group of elderly donkeys in Old Yard here on Paccombe Farm. 

On several occasions throughout the day we refill the donkeys' trough with warm water and enjoy watching them gather around for a drink. Sometimes we even add some peppermint cordial as a warming treat.

Now, with an ageing population, we are hoping to install another system in Cherry Barn which is home to 42 elderly residents, none of which have a full set of teeth.

Each day we fill large containers of warm water to take to Cherry Barn we can soak the feed and fill buckets with 'warm tea' for them to drink. This not only keeps the donkeys warm, but can help to prevent dehydration which can lead to impactions.

We are hoping to raise £1,500 which will allow us to install a hot water tank in the barn so we can deliver 'warm tea' throughout the day and even the night when Neil Coles, Farm Manager, does his nightly checks.

All of our donkeys have a home for life here at The Donkey Sanctuary and we like to make it as comfortable and enjoyable as we possibly can for them.

Can we count on you?

We need to raise £1,500 for an improved hot water system for Cherry Barn. Can we count on you to reach our target?

There’s nothing like a hot drink on a cold day to keep them all warm!