Homeless charity Sanctuary Trust will feature on Durrell’s Tortoise Takeover Trail this summer, thanks to a donation from one local couple.
Richard and Debbie Prosser have sponsored a tortoise for Sanctuary Trust as a way of supporting and raising awareness for both charities. Richard is Durrell’s Chef de Gardien and Debbie has been a Sanctuary Trustee since 2021.
Commenting about their donation, Debbie said: “When we heard about Tortoise Takeover, I immediately thought of the obvious symbolism of the tortoise with its home on its back and the men we support at Sanctuary Trust, who often come to us with their belongings in nothing more than a bag. As supporters of both Durrell and Sanctuary Trust, my husband and I felt this was a perfect opportunity to raise awareness about both charities’ respective environmental and social plights.”
Sarah Tumelty, Sanctuary Trust’s General Manager, added: “This is such a thoughtful and generous gesture, which will help put Jersey’s hidden homeless issue and the work we do at Sanctuary Trust quite literally on the island map. It’s also going to be a great source of excitement and engagement for our residents who can really feel a sense of pride and ownership for our tortoise. We are hugely grateful to the Prossers and to Durrell for including us in their incredible trail.”
On Sancturary Trust’s involvement, Alex Shears, Durrell’s Director of Communications and Fundraising, said: “This sculpture trail involves our entire community giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the Channel Island’s largest mass participation art event. Tortoise Takeover will engage both islanders and visitors with both art and nature. We were so touched that Richard and Debbie wanted to support both charities as the symbolism of the tortoise really resonated with the mission of the Sancturary Trust.”
Local artist Lisa MacDonald’s design was chosen by Sanctuary Trust. Lisa, who is firm supporter of Durrell and Jersey Zoo, and has her own pet tortoise, said: “My piece is called “In a beautiful world, everyone has a home” and I specifically designed it with homelessness in mind. So, I was so delighted when Debbie and the team at Sanctuary Trust chose my tortoise. It is the perfect fit and totally in-keeping with my design concept.
“Being able to raise awareness through my art really resonates with me and it is wonderful to be able to do this for two charities.”
Pictured: Debbie Prosser and Lisa MacDonald with Sanctuary Trust tortoise
