Crunch time for Sidmouth donkeys thanks to Waitrose donation

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth received a special treat for its resident donkeys this week, thanks to a generous donation of 150kg of carrots from the local Waitrose store.

The mountain of carrots, kindly donated by Sidmouth Waitrose on Stowford Rise, was met with delight by staff and donkeys alike at The Donkey Sanctuary’s international headquarters in Sidmouth.

The sanctuary is currently closed to visitors, but donkey-facing staff are still ensuring the resident animals continue to receive the highest level of care.

The donated veg will provide a much needed treat for the hundreds of rescued and relinquished donkeys being cared for at the sanctuary, as well as being used for enrichment activities, such as hiding them within regular haylage to encourage the donkeys’ instinctive foraging behaviour.

Alex Hill, Partner & Deputy Branch Manager at Sidmouth Waitrose said: “Waitrose in Sidmouth are delighted to be able to support a wide range of local organisations during this challenging period.

“Having already donated as much food as was required for local groups, we were pleased to be able to continue our longstanding friendship with The Donkey Sanctuary team with this donation.”

Farm manger Maxine Carter commented: “We are so thankful for the generous donation from our local Waitrose store, it is a lovely example of how they are supporting those throughout the community.

“The carrots will provide a much needed treat for our donkeys during this difficult time and well as extra enrichment opportunities.”