Courtesy of: The Morning News
by: Rosalie Klein
Fusion Wine & Piano Bar in the Alhambra Shopping Bazaar had some unusual customers. Divi Properties General Manager Alex Nieuwmeyer had no objection to sharing a social evening with Well Done, a four-month -old recent addition to the population of Aruba Donkey Sanctuary, along with Bam Bam, who eighteen years ago was also rescued after being abandoned by its mother. Both of the unique patrons attracted quite some attention, but were perfectly behaved.
Aruba Donkey Sanctuary established their refuse in Santa Lucia to preserve the island’s donkey population. Originally well over a thousand donkeys roamed the landscape; it dwindled to less than 50 when the sanctuary began their rescue operation.
Nieuwmeyer welcomed Foundation President Desiree Eldering for a stylish launch of the calendar, an appealing collection of photographs of the amusing antics of the denizens of the sanctuary. This year, the calendar pays tribute to the particularly active volunteers whom Desiree credits with its continuing success. Every month has another volunteer with a little story of why and how long they volunteer. Solmaita, Etienne, Esther, Roos, Linda, Xander, Dirk, Anneke, Ilonka, Micheline, Marjo, Jo Anne, D’Angelo, Angelique and Maritza are showcased along with their favorite jack or jenny.
“Giving help to animals which formed a basis of island life for hundreds of years certainly has its own rewards,” stated Desiree. “But it also makes many demands…This is to thank them for all their efforts and to acknowledge some of the pleasant hours we get to spend together.
The very attractive calendar, which would make a wonderful memento of Aruba, is at sale at the Donkey Sanctuary and island bookstores and newsstands. It cost 25 Arubian florins ($14.50) and including shipping it will be US$32.15. To inquire about the sanctuary or helping out by purchasing one of their many attractive souvenirs, or a calendar, call 584-7063, or 593-2933. These numbers can also be used to report a donkey in distress or a pregnant jenny. The sanctuary will leave healthy donkeys in the wild, but will assist in births or treating the sick or malnourished. To learn more about Aruba’s Donkey Sanctuary and their work, visit their website: http://www.arubandonkey.org/
