An equine welfare charity has suffered over £10,000 worth of damage from Storm Darragh, which damaged all four of its sanctuary sites earlier this week.
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary experienced extensive power cuts, fallen trees and damage to field shelters, and had to cancel its annual Christmas event as a result of the extreme weather event.
The Devon-based charity’s annual Christmas Tea and Tour event, due to take place at the weekend, was cancelled due to unsafe conditions following the storm at the site where it was due to be held.
It estimates that last year’s event, although free to attend for visitors, generated up to £500 by attracting more supporters and regular givers.
In addition to this loss of earnings, the charity estimates over £10,000 of damage was caused by the storm, which has affected communities across the country over the last week.
None of the charity’s staff members, ponies or horses were hurt during the storm, “largely due to careful planning and regular daily maintenance of its land and buildings”, the charity said.
Charity ‘counting the cost’
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s director of fundraising and communications, Dawn Vincent, said: “It’s been a huge team effort to keep operational and it’s something we do incredibly well as a charity, but safety had to come first at the weekend.
“We were very disappointed to have to cancel our special Christmas Tea and Tour event, which we know many visitors were looking forward to attending.
“Events like this help us to raise awareness of our work and money to allow us to keep rescuing horses and ponies in critical need and give them life long, loving care and support.
“We’re counting the cost this week, but we’ve had some lovely messages of praise and would like to say a massive thank you to all of our supporters for their understanding and kindness.”
