Presentations Donations

La Cala de Mijas Lion Wynson Beswick had a dream. Having spent many years with her stables and horses in Cornwall, when she arrived here in La Cala she wanted to help young disabled riders experience the fun, love and therapeutic value of being in the company of horses. A couple of years ago the Equine Therapy School for the Disabled welcomed her with open arms. They had several very small riders who needed a bigger horse so that the instructor could ride with them on the same horse. Together with the Lions a large horse was found and purchased for the school and was named Rosemary! She was a great success. Recently the Lions have provided a specially made orthopedic saddle for the young riders with severe spinal disabilities. 17-year-old Eleanor, who has cerebral palsy, was the first to try it out. She has been a student there since she was 2 years old! One look at her smiling face was enough for us to see how she was going to benefit. Now the saddle would hold her safely without the need for her teachers to keep her in the correct position. It was amazing to see the back of the saddle swaying back and forth with her as though she was really riding unaided. Altogether there are over 40 students at the school from 2 years to 20 years old. “20 of them will benefit from the use of the saddle, “explained Virginia and Flavio – the husband and wife team who generously give up their time to run the school. The Lions were warmly thanked but as David Kaye, the New President for the La Cala Lions explained “this is what we raise funds for – to help those in need. It is a real team effort. We are so grateful to all those who support our events.” As we left the school did we hear Rosemary whinnying her approval? Yes I think we did!

The La Cala de Mijas Lions were delighted to present the Royal British Legion with a cheque for 1000 euros recently. This British charity was founded in 1921 and helps many men and women who have actively served in the United Kingdom Armed Forces, as well as helping their families too. The Royal British Legion has branches both in the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, raising money for their beneficiaries. All the money raised in Spain is used to help those who live here now. Every year in November we see the members busy offering poppies and holding remembrance services to honour those who died in service. They explained they try to help those in need who require assistance through lack of mobility, essential help to buy staple food etc, support in times if grief , help with domestic items, counselling for mental health and much more. If you feel they could help you they are very nice, approachable people and would be glad to try to do all they can for you and your family.

Donkey Dreamland was exactly that – a really lovely experience. lions chairperson wynson and 12 lions visited Donkey Dreamland to present 1500 euros. this feeds the donkeys for 3 months! This was so exciting that the centre invited us all for an andalucian breakfast. Beforehand the Donkey Dreamland founder, Amaya Isert, treated the lions to a very informative talk about the centre and the donkeys. Donkey Dreamland is only 5 minutes from La Cala. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, we heard how donkeys had been beasts of burden for over 5000 years. Originally from the desert, they had adapted to life in spain. At one time there were over one million donkeys in spain. Today there are 33,000 donkeys remaining. Sadly, some donkeys are badly mistreated and donkey dreamland is one of several centres which care for mistreated donkeys. Some arrive with hooves badly deformed and the donkeys resort to walking on their heels. Sometimes their coat is so badly matted, it causes them great discomfort. Many donkeys have been kept by owners purely for breeding purposes until they die. Today donkeys are often kept as tourist attractions, but these animals are often tethered and this can cause such distress as they cannot even brush off a fly by moving their head. These donkeys are often washed every day so they are clean for the tourists. This is also cruel to donkeys as they are used to desert life and may get dermatitis with a wet coat. at Donkey Dreamland they get one shower before summer. At Donkey Dreamland we were introduced to several of the donkeys. Some as large as horses and some like small ponies. There was also a foal. It was simply a wonderful day. Donkey Dreamland does an amazing job giving the donkeys a new lease of life where the public can visit them. Please visit www.donkeydreamland.com for full details. a visit is a must!