A cash-strapped horse and donkey sanctuary hopes to benefit from Christmas goodwill as rescued animals take centre stage at a Penryn open day.
Two donkeys rescued from a life of squalor in Romania by The Flicka Foundation will be the stars of the show at the Christmas open day at Bailey's Country Store on December 1. Animals from the foundation proved a big hit at last year's event, with visitors donating more than £250.
"That bought us around 70 bales of hay," said Laurie Stephenson, who runs the charity with Judy Giles. "Hay and straw alone cost us £25,000 each year, and that's not taking hard feed or vet bills into account, so we really do appreciate each and every donation we receive. Events like these make a huge difference to us. Without donations we wouldn't be here. There would just be no way we could survive."
Bailey's owner Simon Bailey said he was keen to support the local charity again this year. "People really took to the donkeys last time. We had a lot of families come along and the kids adored them. It was wonderful to see people being so kind to these animals that have really been through a lot."
As well as raising money for the foundation the open day will offer visitors the opportunity to meet the donkeys in person and sample fresh produce and artisan foods from local suppliers. Among the variety of treats on offer this year will be Cornish cheese from Hanson Fine Foods and refreshing apple juices and ciders from Cornish Orchards.
People are encouraged to head along to Bailey's Country Store between 8.30am and 3pm on Saturday, December 1 for a friendly chat, a home-made mince pie and a glass of mulled Wassail cider.
Those who are unable to attend the open day but would like to support the Flicka Foundation are encouraged to donate via the Flicka website at www.flickafoundation.org.uk
