Gifts On The Hoof
Many years ago, when tr ying to come up with gift ideas for my mum, I read about Redwings, a charity which rescues and cares for abandoned, mistreated and neglected horses and donkeys from across the UK,” Diane Hunt explains.
“I decided to sponsor one of their Adoption Stars in mum’s name and she loved the idea so much, she ended up continuing to suppor t several different horses over the years.
“After moving near to Redwings Caldecott in Nor folk, one of the five Redwings sites, I star ted going to visit and eventually I began adopting horses and donkeys there myself. It is such a lovely scheme and fantastic value at just £15 a year. You can choose which Adoption Star you wish to suppor t and in your adoption pack you receive lots of goodies including a photo of them along with their stor y and a magazine twice a year. You can read about their activities at Redwings and view photos of them in an exclusive online diar y.
“These online diaries have been especially great since our visitor centres were temporarily closed due to Covid-19, giving suppor ters something fun to enjoy at home and a way to stay in touch, even if they’ve been self-isolating. As a present idea, an adoption pack is one that is meaningful and a gift that keeps giving, something to be appreciated with ever y update you receive throughout the year.
“I star ted working here at Redwings Caldecott over four years ago. I love my job and I can’t wait to be able to greet visitors here again. It’s especially lovely to meet people who have come to visit their Adoption Star and there is nothing more lovely than when a child comes in clutching a bag of carrots for our rescues, it really gladdens the hear t.
“It is also wonder ful and hear twarming to see these horses and donkeys being so well cared for and rehabilitated, becoming loving and trusting souls again and enjoying their lives after what have often been horrendous experiences for them. As soon as we are fully open again, I will be straight up to my favourites in the donkey barn and giving out plenty of ear scratches. It will be a joy!”