A Jersey-based volunteer group hosted their 13th annual Handbags and Glad Rags Dress Sale this summer in aid of Brooke, a charity dedicated to protecting the lives of horses, donkeys and mules around the world.
On Saturday 3 June, members of the Brooke Jersey Supporter Group held a Dress Sale at St Bernadette’s Church Hall, St Brelade, giving customers 18 rails of ladies clothes, jewellery, shoes and accessories to choose from. From luxury brands to high street fashion, the Jersey group aimed to raise crucial awareness and funds for Brooke, whilst giving customers a ‘feel good’ shopping experience at reasonable prices.
Over 60 members strong, the Jersey Group began fundraising for working animals 21 years ago, raising over £400,000 to date for Brooke. Other fundraising efforts by the group include a Cliff Path Challenge a few years ago, which aimed to mimic the tough conditions that working animals can endure daily – often facing 10 hour days carrying loads weighing 100kg. The Jersey Group completed an admirable 15 journeys, 30 times up and down the cliff path to raise money for the equine charity.
Led by Mary Gaiger, who owns donkeys herself and has visited Brooke’s work in Egypt and India, the group’s fundraising concentrates on raising awareness of the welfare of the thousands of donkeys working alongside their owners in often extreme conditions.
Mary Gaiger said: “I have visited Brooke’s work in Egypt and India. Donkeys are hardworking stoic animals who rarely complain and therefore do not always receive the care and attention they need. Seeing the work Brooke does in the field was something I will never forget. It really spurred us on to raise as much awareness and funds as possible to help these incredibly hardworking animals.”
Mary and the Jersey group are part of a large network of volunteers fundraising for Brooke around the UK. Money raised from volunteers goes towards Brooke’s work across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, making lasting improvements to the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them.
