On the occasion of Volunteers’ Day

Donkey Sanctuary honors one of its hardest working volunteers

SANTA LUCIA – Donkey Sanctuary volunteers chose to mark Volunteers Day by paying to tribute to one of its hardest working team members, “Save Our Donkeys” Foundation Vice President Desiree Eldering. Paulien came up with the idea to make it “Desiree’s Day”, and fellow volunteers quickly pitched in to put together an event in her honor, not only in recognition of her many years of service, but also in light of her efforts in making this year, the Foundation’s 10^th anniversary year, an especially memorable time.

Despite illness, Desiree rarely rested when it came to initiating new projects and carrying out activities in working to protect Aruba’s donkeys. “It’s in my blood,” she explains about her affection for donkeys and her willingness to do everything she can to make a difference. Growing up in a family that always had pets, she developed a love of animals that
manifested itself in Aruba in the great accomplishments she has made in the continued protection of Aruba’s donkeys. “I do not consider all the work I do for the donkeys as a chore. I love these animals and the work that comes with it.”
Desiree’s first contact with the Donkey Sanctuary was in 1998, to which she returned a few years later, serving as Vice President for the past four years. During this time she has helped, together with fellow volunteers, to grow the number of volunteers from eight to the current 40, and to further reach out for the public’s support in offering daily opening hours at the Santa Lucia Donkey Sanctuary, and in carrying out various events organized each year. Fundraising efforts also include the operation of the sanctuary’s souvenir shop, which stocks several of Desiree’s own artworks and handicrafts.
	Founding foundation member Ramon Boekhoudt put it simply, saying, “Thank God for Desiree; we would not be able to accomplish half of what we do without her.” On behalf of all the Donkey Sanctuary’s volunteers, Desiree was presented the gift of an original painting by Elvis Tromp – the subject of which, of course, was donkeys. The presentation was a part of a festive celebration held recently at the Savaneta home of Donkey Sanctuary volunteer, Nascha Kagie.
After the evening of the celebration, Desiree was out and about again working to benefit the donkeys, spending Saturday morning at a sales table in front of Super Food, accompanied by Ban Ban, the donkey. Sales were particularly brisk for the original, donkey-themed gifts and Christmas cards.
	Also a big seller was Desiree’s own published children’s book, “Kosh Kosh The Green Donkey from Aruba”. The general public is invited to meet with Desiree this coming Saturday, December 15, where she will be offering personal signed copies of the book at Van Dorp bookstore, Avenida Milo Croes in Dakota, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

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