Leeds sanctuary helps children with special needs
Dogs might be man's best friend, but the donkeys at a Leeds sanctuary mean everything to the children they help.
The Elizabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys, based in Eccup offers youngsters with special needs donkey riding as a form of therapy. Now, the Trust is celebrating the work of its furry friends by marking International Donkey Week.
The charity will be hosting a coffee morning tomorrow following by a Saturday Club the following day for children with special needs and their families to find out more about the centre's facilities.
A barn dance on May 30 aims to bring in much-needed funds for the charity.
Some 150 children with special needs and disabilities, from 20 local schools in the city and surrounding areas, benefit from donkey riding therapy at the centre each week. The centre aims to bring enjoyment into the lives of children with special needs and disabilities through teaching them riding skills, grooming and how to care for the animals.
Allison Mann, who runs the centre, said: "We are hoping the week will be a great success and any funds raised from our events will go towards a sensory room for the children. We are also hoping to raise awareness of our special work bringing children and donkeys together here in Leeds."
The trust has a riding centre where children and young adults with physical handicaps, learning difficulties, and behavioural problems enjoy activities they would never otherwise experience.
The centre costs about £250,000 a year to run. It depends entirely on donations including the £15-a-year 'Adopt a Donkey' scheme where supporters receive a certificate, a drawing, photograph and six-montly update on 'their' donkey.
* For more information call (0113) 2619249 or e-mail: est.leeds@elisabethsvendsentrust.org.uk
Posted: Thursday, May 08, 2008
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