Lucky Lenna!

September 20 was a lucky day for Cramahe resident, Lenna Broatch. A ticket she bought a few months ago was selected by the Primrose Donkey Sanctuary in its lucky draw fundraiser.

The draw yielded $575 for the sanctuary located at County Rd. 9 and Bowmanton Rd. in Northumberland County. Cramahe residents Kim and Wendy Carr both volunteer at the sanctuary and were on hand at Salem on September 23 for the presentation of the rize quilt.

The women spoke of the sanctuary where 18 donkeys now live in safety. The donkeys come from as far away as Manitoulin Island, St. Catharines and Quebec. Some are so badly abused that they will never be able to be adopted out. They will remain in the care of sanctuary owner, Sheila Burns until they die. The oldest donkey now in residence is 38 and could live to be 50.

Fourteen years ago Ms. Burns bought her farm and a donkey. She has filled a need since then, housing damaged animals with the help of volunteers, fundraising, and donations. Some of the donkeys are "adopted" by candidates who Ms. Burns vets. Anyone without property or time to house a donkey can sponsor one by paying the $700 to feed and care for it at the sanctuary. Some are lent out for special occasions. Cramahe residents will remember 33year-old Primrose who came to Colborne for Palm Sunday.

Primrose Donkey Sanctuary has its own website Primrose Donkey Sanctuary with histories of all the donkeys.

Ms. Burns' concern for animals doesn't stop at donkeys. She also has three mules, four potbellied pigs, a Welsh pony, a dog, two sheep and 31 spayed or neutered cats.

The sanctuary is holding an education day on Oct. 12. At the open house, visitors can see a ferrier at work, observe some grooming, and view photos of the donkeys before they were rescued. Everyone is welcome.