Corfu Donkey Rescue

The Edinburgh Marathon and the Etape Caledonian Cycle May 2009

Our congratulations to Mandi Francis who competed in two grueling events on behalf of The Macmillan Cancer Support and CDR last month. Her valiant efforts raised over 1300 pounds to be shared between the two charities. We shall put the money towards a new stable on our new land. Many thanks Mandy, if the donkeys knew about your efforts on their behalf they would have some kind words to say for sure. We hope one day you will come and meet some of the little beasties you have helped. Mandi said…………………

Well, that is one down and one to go. Yesterday was the Etape Caledonia, and I am now sitting on the sofa with a real sense of disbelief that I actually managed to finish within the set time limit of 6.5 hours – as a non-runner I have been focusing on the marathon, and letting the cycling slide, so I went in to yesterday with only two completely inadequate training rides under my belt and a terrified smile. I can honestly say that it was by far the hardest thing I have ever done, and where were the donkeys when I needed them? (although I definitely couldn’t have subjected a donkey to carrying me up any of those killer hills!

Finished the Edinburgh marathon yesterday within the time limit. I was terribly disappointed not to have got a donkey flown in at around mile 10 ;-) But I wouldn’t have wished the weather yesterday onto any animal – it was 24 degrees c, and was far too hot to be running around Scotland.

Who we are, how it began, and the help that is needed

The donkey sanctuary on Corfu was started by an Englishwoman called Judy after finding a donkey wandering in the bushes, apparently un-owned. Judy soon found more abandoned donkeys and realised the need for a shelter for these terribly neglected animals.

Judy, along with friends and volunteers now work hard in what are, at times, incredibly difficult and distressing circumstances, to help these wonderful animals who sadly, often suffer the most appalling neglect. Lack of money and resources compound the problems but despite this Judy has worked relentlessly to gain support, charity status and recognition by the Greek Government and in 2006 received status as a Greek registered charity. The charity is now known as Corfu Donkey Rescue or CDR. Over the last 5 years CDR has taken in just over 200 donkeys, a mule and several desperately neglected ponies.

Amongst the ordinary day to day problems of running and financing a shelter, with never fewer than 40 donkeys at any one time, Judy has had problems with the legality of the shelter and has received continuous, daily hostility from neighbours.

However, local and international support has spurred her on and she has never given up hope of one day having a new permanent and legal shelter. This day is not so far away although there are still huge obstacles to overcome now the land is purchased.

Contrary to local Greek opinion, CDR receives no governmental financial help either locally, nationally or from the EU. The shelter is supported through donations over the internet but the main income is from visiting tourists in the short summer season.

Keep up to date by reading the monthly blog. Found on the top of the Home Page.

If you would like to 'adopt' one of the rescued donkeys, then please visit the
'Adopt a donkey' page for details. Click here>>