IN MEMORY Remember your loved ones by supporting the cause they cherished
In Loving Memory Pay tribute to the life of someone special, and make a lasting difference to the lives of donkeys and the people who depend on them. With its lush, Devon farmland and meadows of wild flowers rolling down to the sea, The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth has long been cherished as a peaceful haven for visitors as well as for thousands of donkeys rescued from lives of neglect and abuse. Its serenity provides a poignant contrast to the charity s projects on behalf of less fortunate animals, including our international work with communities that depend on donkeys for their livelihood. As well as visiting our residents as they graze contentedly in their paddocks, people enjoy the sanctuary s idyllic setting, with its tree-lined walkways, secluded walled garden and abundance of wildlife. It is often appreciated as a place for contemplation a place to remember loved ones who have shared our passion for animal welfare. We offer several ways to pay tribute to the life of those dearest to you, from memorial benches to plaques next to trees and entries in our Book of Remembrance. Nigel Blackmore heads up the team that ensures the eight miles of tree-lined walkways and their plaques are maintained in good condition throughout the year. I ve been working at the sanctuary for over 15 years and it s a fantastic job, he says. I meet donkey lovers from all over the world. Many come here to remember a loved one or find their name on a memorial plaque. It s great to hear their stories and show them what a difference their loved one s gift is making. 3
Memorial Bench A limited number of benches are available in scenic locations around the sanctuary. Made locally in sustainable hardwood that lasts a lifetime, these bespoke benches not only include plaques in memory of friends and relatives, they provide a peaceful place in which to reflect and remember. Russell Garden Plaques The Russell Garden is a delightful walled garden situated in the heart of The Donkey Sanctuary. Sit in quiet contemplation in the company of Russell, our life-sized bronze donkey statue, admiring the immaculately maintained lawn, planted beds and the memorial plaques placed on natural stone. What You Say - Dennis and Julia Norridge My love affair with donkeys began when I discovered the books by donkey lover Derek Tangye, says Julia. When Derek died, his donkeys Merlin and Susie came to live at The Donkey Sanctuary. Later, when they died, we dedicated two memorial plaques to them in the Russell Garden. It s somewhere beautiful and peaceful where we can reflect on past friendships. 5
Memorial Trees and Plaques Dedicate a tree with a plaque to a cherished friend, family member or pet and watch this lasting memorial grow and flourish through the seasons. It s the perfect way to honour your happy memories for years to come. The Book of Remembrance On permanent display in the heart of The Donkey Sanctuary, our Book of Remembrance provides a simple, touching tribute to someone special. You can dedicate a page to a loved one by recording your own personal memorial message and we will send you a quality copy as a keepsake. What You Say - Janette Pearson When my father Ernest died in 2001 it was only fitting that we placed a plaque in memory of him in The Donkey Sanctuary. Dad enjoyed so many happy hours here listening to the birds and the donkeys braying, and enjoying a visit from Buster the sanctuary cat. Likewise when my mother Nora died in 2013, her wish was to have a tree and plaque on one of the many walks around the sanctuary. We like to visit in spring as this season was very special to Mum. The plaques are a permanent memorial to remind us of the happy times we shared. 7
Tribute Funds Celebrate the life of a loved one by setting up an online Tribute Fund at justgiving. com/donkeysanctuary. Some people bake cakes, some run marathons, and others simply make a donation on a significant date like a birthday or anniversary. Contact our community fundraisers for advice and inspiration: fundraise@ or 01395 578222. Donations in Memory Organise a collection in aid of The Donkey Sanctuary at a funeral or memorial service. We can provide special collection envelopes. Or simply mark the anniversary of someone special by making a donation on that date, knowing that all money raised goes to supporting our vital work. Diary Date - Memorial Day at The Donkey Sanctuary Remember loved ones at our Memorial Day service, held in early October around the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals. Families of those whose names are inscribed around the sanctuary are invited to a service held by a priest, followed by a blessing of the memorials. Reed crosses are placed on each memorial. We can also organise flowers for your memorial. 9
Remembering Donkeys in your Will An incredible amount of The Donkey Sanctuary s animal welfare work in the UK and overseas is made possible by those who leave gifts in their wills. Just as we leave behind for our families the worldly goods we ve accumulated throughout our lives, we can leave an everlasting legacy for the good causes we cherish. More than just a material gift, a legacy donation is an opportunity to enrich the lives of donkeys and the communities who depend on them around the world. Every one of our kind legators is remembered forever on the memorial walls at our Sanctuary. For a copy of our legacy guide, please contact Marie Wilson on 01395 573008. Ordering Memorials We are here to help. For further information on memorials (or if you require collection envelopes) please contact us on 01395 578222, enquiries@ Alternatively, complete the order form and send with payment to: The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU We will confirm safe receipt and once your memorial is in place we will write to you enclosing a digital photograph. Memorial Bench Hardwood bench incorporating a bronze coloured plaque. 1,800 for a premium location 1,200 for a standard location Russell Garden plaque - 900 Silver coloured plaque upon a black plinth, measuring 4 x 6. Black lettering incorporating a donkey motif and the year it is put in place. Memorial tree and plaque - 600 Black plaque on a wooden plinth, measuring 4 x 6. White lettering incorporating a donkey motif and the year it is put in place. Placed next to a native species tree. Book of Remembrance - 30 Each entry is printed on a separate A4 page on quality paper. 11
THE DONKEY SANCTUARY Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 0NU T [44] (0)1395 578222 F [44] (0)1395 579266 E enquiries@ The Donkey Sanctuary was founded by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE in 1969. The Donkey Sanctuary (registered charity number 264818) and its sole corporate trustee, The Donkey Sanctuary Trustee Limited (Company number 07328588), both have their registered office at Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, EX10 0NU. Linked charities: The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST); The International Donkey Protection Trust (IDPT). 00743_17_DS