As we draw to the end of International Donkey Week 2012, we reflect upon the sad day one year ago when our founder, Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE, passed away. Little did we know that as she smiled and laughed with visitors, staff and supporters during last year’s Donkey Week that we were soon to lose her. Dr S described last year’s event as “A really good Donkey Week”, and whilst her absence has been keenly felt this last week especially, we are pleased to continue the tradition she started by providing a unique holiday for supporters and donkey lovers on our Sanctuary farms.
Dr Svendsen founded The Donkey Sanctuary in 1969 out of her deep love and compassion for abused, neglected and abandoned donkeys everywhere, and the charity now supports projects to help donkeys in 28 projects worldwide. She also established The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (which merged into The Donkey Sanctuary in 2012), which gives donkey-assisted therapy to many thousands of children with additional needs each year.
We share her love and passion for donkeys, and will strive to continue her amazing legacy throughout the world, wherever there are donkeys in need of our help.
Remembering the life of Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, MBE, 1930 - 2011
The Donkey Sanctuary’s Founder and the world’s most dedicated champion of donkeys