ESTEVAN - The Rotary Club of Estevan presented a cheque for $2,900 to the Happy Little Hooves Pony and Donkey Sanctuary, for their field shelter for rescued animals during the club's latest luncheon Oct. 31.
Happy Little Hooves is a non-profit organization that assists smaller animals such as donkeys, miniature horses, ponies and miniature mules that were abused, neglected, unwanted or whose owners are no longer able to care for them. They also seek to educate the public about proper care and treatment of small equines. While it was in the making since 2011, it launched in late 2018 and is located about 20 kilometres southwest of Estevan.
Laura Stock, the vice president of the Happy Little Hooves Pony and Donkey Sanctuary, was at the event to talk about what they do.
"They gave a lovely talk; we were inspired by it," Williams said.
Williams noted that the sanctuary came to Rotary seeking support for one of three projects they are working on, including the field shelter, animal trailer improvements and a larger quarantine shelter. Rotary decided to support their field shelter in full, to ensure it's built and serves its purpose.
"Like with all animal shelters, it only takes one sick animal to put back your build, so Rotary decided that to make it happen, rather than just contribute a small amount, we would actually pay for the entire project," Williams said. "So that's what we've done. They hope to have it built by May."
If someone wants to support the other projects, they are encouraged to reach out to the sanctuary.
Rotary is a service club that raises money mainly through its annual Lobsterfest and Golf Ball Drop to then support local non-profits and clubs with their projects and activities. Every year they provide funds to different local groups seeking help with their ongoing projects. They also partake in bigger global projects.
The Rotary Club is celebrating a big milestone this year, and it is trying to make it even more impactful for the community.
"It is our 100th year, so we are trying to cover as many areas within the catchment [area] and Estevan and give consideration to as many groups from all different areas," Williams said.
She noted that the club will soon be presenting a cheque to the Apple Shot Archers, a junior archery group out of Macoun that is building up their gear. There are also more groups lined up to come and give a talk about their projects, but Williams said they still have funds to give out to support any local projects, small and big. And even if they exceed their budget for this year, there will be more next year, so she encouraged organizations to keep reaching out to them.
"If we can't fund them this year, maybe we can fund them next year. That's what we're here for. That's why we have a Lobsterfest. That's why we have the Golf Ball Drop. It's all to help our community of Estevan and the area, and also the world," Williams said.
To apply for funding for their projects, people can email the club at rotary.estevan@gmail.com, telling them a bit about the club or nonprofit organization and what they are trying to raise money for.
