Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

A donkey-riding centre for children with special needs and disabilities at Eccup in Leeds is launching an appeal for those looking for something a little different this Christmas. The Centre is inviting people to adopt a donkey as a gift for a friend or relative to help support its work.

The recipient of the Adopt a Donkey gift will be sent an adoption pack including details and a photo of their chosen donkey, together with a beautiful drawing, a Certificate of Adoption and they will receive a letter keeping them up-to-date with news about their adopted donkey after six months.

The Leeds centre of The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST) has four adorable donkeys called Kelly, Rosie, Simon and William that the public can adopt. The cost of each adoption is £16.00 or you can purchase a pack for £22.50 if you would like to include a DVD all about our adopted donkeys. The money raised helps to support the costs of the charity, which provides riding therapy, free of charge to over 150 children every week.

Cathryn Williams, Principal of the Leeds centre talks about the special donkeys that are available for adoption: ‘Each of our four adoption donkeys are specially chosen for the job based upon their friendly natures and really enjoy working with the children. They all have their own unique personalities, for example William can be very cheeky and playful and loves to make friends with all our visitors. Kelly really loves taking walks and lapping up the admiring looks that are cast her way. Rosie has a quiet, gentle nature but loves warmth and cuddles and Simon just loves the attention he gets whilst visiting local schools and residential homes.’

Find out more by contacting the Adopt a Donkey telephone line at EST on 01395 573034 or adopt online at www.adoptadonkey.org.uk.

On Saturday 12th December, the Leeds Centre will be holding it’s Christmas Fair from 10.00am until 2.00pm – another great opportunity to Adopt a Donkey.