The Minidonks and team had the most wonderful time at Pop-Up Farm on Saturday 30th May.
In conjunction with Red Gables, a Community Hub in Stowmarket, the Pop-Up Farm took shape. A free and ticketed event for people with physical, neurodiverse and neurological needs around 200 people came through the gates during the day.
Our 6 Minidonks and Team were joined by Helen and her wonderful Clydesdales, Harrison and Clementine and Tracy from Cherry Tree Farm and their array of small petting animals including a 3-legged goat!
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In the peaceful, safe and natural environment of the grounds at Red Gables we watched the calm and majestic Clydesdales leaning over towards children in wheelchairs and seeing their faces light up with joy and awe was an image to remember. We all know the beauty and healing properties that stroking animals can bring, which was visible with the gentle grooming of a bunny rabbit, the smallest of children sat with a guinea pig on their lap and feeding the goats and lamb.
The donks played their part too, walking slowly and affectionately with one of the attendees and a volunteer around the grounds. Interacting with all who came over to see them, their adorable faces eyes and ears bringing smiles and a sense of tranquillity to all.
We had various crafts to get involved with from colouring, picture making with farmyard stickers, stencilling and paper plate donkey faces.
This truly wonderful set up for those who may not be able to access an experience as this for whatever reason stirs emotions in everyone who helped deliver what is The Pop-Up Farm
Our next Mini donks public event is at:-
Look forward to seeing you there!!
What do we do?
We bring our gentle and friendly miniature donkeys to your community group, voluntary organisation, dementia group or special needs group.
We are based in South Norfolk and operate across Norfolk, Suffolk, East Cambridgeshire and North Essex. Basically, we visit anywhere where a mood boosting donkey visit would help people with their wellbeing.
If you want our donkeys to come to a Wedding, Private Party, Event or even a Funeral we can do that too.
Why do we do it?
Having worked with family carers professionally and having been a family carer for two parents with dementia, the group’s founder knows firsthand how stress can be relieved by spending time with these beautiful animals.
Sarah lost her mum to dementia in April 2017 and took the decision to set up a social enterprise to bring the benefits of interacting with mini donkeys to as wide an audience as possible.
Sponsor a Minidonk!
Would you like to support our work by sponsoring one of our lovely donkeys?
Mini Donks on Facebook
Russet 'Maude' Magic
Unfortunately, MAUDE is currently sold out, please mail sponsor@minidonks.org.uk if you would like to pre-order.
Make a Donation
How do you book a visit?
If you would like to find out more about how our visits work or would like to book a visit, you can e-mail us, give us a call or download a booking form.
Our visits do book up quite quickly and if you have a specific date in mind (wedding, summer fete, special birthday) call us to reserve your date. Bookings are confirmed on receipt of a completed booking form.
