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Inaugural International Day of The Donkey October 7, 2006

Timaru Herald's article preceding the day

On the beach at Timaru's Caroline Bay

Six donkeys were kept busy on the beach at Caroline Bay, Timaru for over 2-1/2 hours, to celebrate the International Day of the Donkey and also commemorate the Aigantighe Art Gallery's painting, 'The Unemployed'. Painted in 1912 by William Greene on the beach, it depicts four donkeys waiting for rides and it is well worth visiting the gallery to view. The Gallery has now reproduced the scene on cards which will be available shortly.

Each child paid a gold coin donation for a ride. Proceeds went to the Donkey and Mule Protection Trust, a registered charity. Several Society booklets, 'How to Look After and Care For Your Donkey' were handed out to people who thought they might like to own a donkey and newly printed flyers with information on the work of the Trust were also given out.

from left: Helper Stacey Wellman with donkey Sally and Cynthia Sim, who brought two donkeys down from Ashburton and went out of her way to collect Rosalie; Jocelyn Gray with El Burro Soraya and Bruce Clark with Lea Hullett (almost hidden) and donkey, Rosalie.

left: Jocelyn Gray leading El Burro Soraya, middle: Cynthia Sim and helper Stacey Wellman with Sally and rider. right: Nick O'Brien leading El Burro's Stud's Rosedale Jasmine.

El Burro Cherokee Rose followed by Boru Rosalie with Glenice Tindall's Gazebo in which she set up a table. Glenice was Ticketer and kept order when at times a queue of children wanted rides. Bruce Clark and Nick O'Brien were also much needed helpers in a variety of ways. right: Wendy Greenwood with El Burro Cherokee Rose.

left: Sue Campbell leading Cynthia Sim's Joel. middle: Lea Hullett with her donkey Boru Rosalie and Alex Doyle enjoying his ride. right: Stacey Wellman leads Cynthia Sim's Sally.

above: Jocelyn Gray and Wendy Greenwood brought 3 donkeys up from Herbert and the following photos feature their donkeys. People came from many places just to see the donkeys on the beach.

Our thanks go to Maureen Booth from Geraldine, who came in to see the donkeys and kindly took these photos; Margaret and Arthur Salkeld of Christchurch for the loan of the 'Donkey Rides' sign; the Timaru Herald; Radio Caroline and Port FM who publicized the event, Dr. Fiona Ciaran of the Aigantighe Art Gallery; Bill Steans of the Timaru District Council for granting permission to have the donkeys on the Bay; businesses who displayed posters, and the many people, especially the children who made the day the success it was.