Thank you. - Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

Message from the Executive Director
2012 was a year of exciting growth and change
for the Sanctuary. The new Donkey House was
finished in January, a significant expansion – and
improvement - in shelter for our donkeys who have
appreciated the drier, warmer conditions. Hoof
health has improved dramatically and the main herd
chose to remain inside many days this year, given
the extreme cold we experienced on occasion.
To you, our loyal supporters, we thank you from the
heart on behalf of the animals who have benefited
so greatly from this new facility. Your generosity
allowed the Donkey House to become a reality.
At the Donor Appreciation Day in May, we were
able to thank many of you in person. We hope you
enjoyed the experience.
Messages on the white board - from our Donor Appreciation Day
Sandra Pady, our founder, retired in September,
and I was privileged to succeed her as Executive
Director. The DSC is an organization that I have
loved and supported for years. Since 1992, Sandra’s
vision, compassion, and dedication have created a
much-needed haven for 150 unwanted, neglected
or abused donkeys, mules and hinnies; in turn,
my commitment is to build on this legacy, and do
whatever I can to secure the future for the animals
here today and in the future.
Sandra remains involved in the work of the
Sanctuary. She has provided invaluable guidance and
support to me as I have taken on the many aspects
of this role. She continues to be the primary person
involved with our Green Fields Circle, a group
made up of supporters who have let us know they
have generously named us in their wills. She has
become a member of the DSC Board of Directors.
I know you will agree that Sandra deserves
profound thanks and recognition for what she has
done. As many of you may know, the community
thought so as well and she was awarded the welldeserved
Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal
in September.
I am extremely fortunate to have stepped into a
place with a talented team who provide excellent
care for the animals and perform the many other
tasks associated with managing a successful notfor-profit
organization. We are making continuous
improvements to how we manage the health and
welfare of the animals here, and are also expanding
how we ‘get the word out’ and attract more people
into the DSC family.
I am inspired by and grateful for a core group of
between 40-60 volunteers who work here on a
regular basis, doing important chores, grooming
donkeys, assisting on different committees, and
providing support in the office during peak seasons.
There are many more who help out with our large
event Donkey Day. In addition, our veterinarians
and farriers are compassionate, professional partners
in our work with the animals.
Together – staff, volunteers, partners – aim to always
provide excellent care to the animals we rescue. I
know many would agree when I say we receive as
much, or more, as we give.
Shown on the cover is Buffy, a DSC resident since 1991.
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