A Devon charity has issued a plea asking the public to send them any unwanted trousers, leggings or pyjama bottoms to help their resident herds combat the seasonal arrival of biting insects.  

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth uses the legwear, which is cut to fit individual donkeys, to protect the donkeys’ legs from bites

“Every summer many donkeys in our resident herds face the irritation of biting flies. The older ones in our care seem to suffer the most as they are not as active as the younger donkeys, which is heartbreaking to see,” said Lisa Coles, one of the grooms at The Donkey Sanctuary’s Paccombe Farm in East Devon.

Donation from north of the border

The charity recently received a donation from the University of St Andrews after they heard how unwanted trousers and leggings can help protect the resident herds.

Staff and students at the university gathered up a collection of suitable items left over from a recycling project and sent them over 500 miles south to Devon.

The university has its own Reuse shop where students can donate their old clothing when they leave for the summer break and when they graduate for other students to have. Some of the clothing that is left also gets donated for reuse or upcycling to charities in Fife, local creators and schools, with the remaining unwanted pieces normally being thrown away. Fortunately, these have now found a new lease of life with the donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary.  

‘Delighted’

“We were delighted to receive the donation of snazzy leggings and trousers from St Andrews and would welcome any more,” added Lisa.

“Even though the legwear may look a bit unusual at first glance, it really does make a difference to the welfare of our donkeys, and we hope others may be inspired to donate any suitable items we can use.”

Reuse, recycle

Anya Hart Dyke, Transition University of St Andrew’s Project Officer, said: “It tickled us pink to think of donkeys wearing leggings and pyjama bottoms to protect their legs from biting insects.  

“We hate seeing any clothes go to waste so we were delighted to source items that were too faded, or worse for wear to be reworn by students. 

“We’re always looking for new opportunities to keep clothes in play so were thrilled when The Donkey Sanctuary agreed to making use of clothes that would have otherwise been incinerated!” 

How to donate

Anyone based locally who is wishing to donate any unwanted loose-fitting trousers, leggings, pyjamas, or maternity trousers can bring them to the Sidmouth sanctuary’s onsite Gift Shop. To ensure they will fit all sizes of the resident donkeys, the items should be women’s size 16 up, and men’s size large and up. The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is open every day, from 9am to 5pm.

The mailing address to send donations is The Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU.

Images © The Donkey Sanctuary.

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