The Sanctuary will be more than merely a place of refuge for abused, abandoned, aged and neglected donkeys.

The establishment of the Donkey Sanctuary will lead to the following direct benefits to the Breede River valley community:

The creation of jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers in a region with massive unemployment....

The possible introduction of Riding for the Disabled into the area. The value of this initiative has been proved over and over again. Children with special needs learn skills and develop levels of confidence previously thought to be impossible.       

Working with a local Retreat Centre where persons in need of emotional healing after traumatic events can be helped.

The use of  animals as effective therapeutic agents is well documented. (Dr. van Zijl  is registered as a Psychologist with the South African Medical and Dental  Council and a range of other professional therapists from a variety of disciplines are operative in the area).

The educational component is critical and the approach will be two-fold:

   Special programmes, with field trips to the Sanctuary, will be introduced to teach local children about donkeys and their care

    Owners of donkeys in the region will be encouraged to participate in projects aimed at improving the way they care for their animals, the proper use of harnesses and the correct use of carts and wagons

But primarily the Donkey Sanctuary will provide an immediate and humane response to the needs of gentle and patient creatures that are all too often maltreated and made to endure truly horrific circumstances .