AFTER witnessing the appalling conditions of horses and donkeys in Egypt, Janet Thomas was determined to make a change.
While living in Alexandria in Egypt, Ms Thomas said she had been shocked at what working horses and donkeys were put through.
In 2007, she founded Animal Aid Abroad and now nearly ten years later, the not-for-profit organisation has projects in over ten countries.
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READ NOW“It started after I saw horses and donkeys walk down every street carrying loads well beyond their capacity in Alexandria,” she said.
“Many times I stopped carts and gave the animals a carrot or water with a gentle pat but I was always laughed at.
“The handlers thought it was the most bizarre thing to see kindness offered to the animals.”
The organisation receives no government funding, instead relying solely on fundraising ventures and charity events.
Animal Aid Abroad’s latest movie fundraiser will be in support of the Gili Island carthorses.
“The very sad thing is these horses on Gili Island are overworked in very hot, humid temperatures, underfed and given very poor quality water,” Ms Thomas said.
“Our goal with our fundraiser is to raise enough money to replace all the poor and badly made harnessing and purchase proper food for the entire year.
“We will continue to look after these horses until they find another source, or carts are purchased to take their place.”
Animal Aid Abroad will host the movie screening fundraiser of Brooklyn in Como this Saturday.
The Essentials:
What: Brooklyn
When: Saturday, February 27 at 5.30pm.
Where: Grand Cinemas CYGNET, 16 Preston Street Como.
Tickets: $20 available at http://animalaidabroad.org/