Brooke USA Foundation is working tirelessly to end the Donkey Hide Crisis in the United States while supporting worldwide efforts to stop the trade to produce ejiao. The following details the story of Steve, a medical student in Kenya, who lost his two beloved donkeys - Old Man and Kadogo.

In January 2024, Steve's life changed when his two donkeys were stolen from the field where they were grazing. He launched a search, and their slaughtered remains were found in the bush beside an abandoned building. Not only was he heartbroken but he also lost the ability to continue working as a water vendor. His community group appealed to Brooke East Africa to help Steve, and he was gifted a donkey in February 2024, Steve named his donkey 'Lucky Joy'.

While the African Union banned the slaughter of donkeys for their skin across the continent in February, there is still work to be done. Community groups in Kenya are calling for help to protect their donkeys and establish better security, while Brooke USA Foundation fights to end the import of the hides into the United States.

Help us end the controversial donkey skin trade and make it illegal for ejiao and donkey hides to be imported and sold in the United States when you support The Ejiao Act (H.R. 6021). Please contact your representatives and ask for their support.

Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL) (Congressman Steube – Representing Florida (house.gov) has agreed to co-sponsor the Ejiao Act with Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA). Brooke USA Chair of the Board, Jim Hamilton, will be traveling to Washington D.C. on May 9 to meet with members of the House and Senate to secure support of the bill.

To date we have the following additional co-sponsors:

• Rep Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
• Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va)
• Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA)
• Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN).

INSPIRING CHILDREN TO CARE FOR THEIR ANIMALS

Meet Florence, a devoted student from St. Christopher's Primary Donkey Care Club. Despite being the only girl in her club, Florence is passionate about drawing and uses her artwork to advocate for better treatment of donkeys.

Through poetry, dance, and drawing, Brooke USA-funded programs teach children in Kenya how to look after their families’ working donkeys. As their main caregivers, children are the key to a better future for working donkeys by helping to improve their welfare at home and by dispelling myths about how to treat donkeys in their communities.

Your $250 donation to Brooke USA allows you the opportunity to choose a one-of-a-kind painting, by a member of the Donkey Care Clubs. Please let us know which one you would like by emailing Madeleine.Davidovits@brookeusa.org.

Empowering Equines, One Hoofbeat at a Time

Working with the Namibian Animal Welfare Association

Brooke USA is thrilled to announce that we are working with the Namibian Animal Welfare Association (NAWA) as they use their outreach program in impoverished rural areas to expand Project Donkey. The program is implemented through a minimum of four road trips per year, with each trip being conducted over three days, and typically more than 620 miles of traveling. There are an additional six workshops conducted with nearby satellite communities. The goals of the program are as follows:

• Education and training on sustainable, humane working equine care
• Primary veterinary healthcare for working equines and emergency/critical treatment of injuries (by qualified veterinarians).
• NAWA replaces ill-fitting tack with humane harnesses and bridles, inclusive of bits (confiscated tack is incinerated after every trip).
• Utilize the skills learned by NAWA's community champions to manufacture the harness buckles for cost effectiveness.

In Phase 1 of this project NAWA will conduct two far-reaching trips and three local workshops, optimizing resources without compromising impact. During Phase 2 we will see the completion of two additional far-reaching trips and three local workshops, ensuring sustained growth and support.

The amount needed to fund this project is $10,000 USD.

Will you help us to fund Project Donkey?

Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month!

The Month of April was Dedicated to Our Amazing Volunteers

Highlighting: Keiser University Equestrian Center

In April, we celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Month by honoring the dedicated individuals who selflessly give their time, energy, and expertise to support Brooke USA's mission. From our esteemed board members and Regional Advisory Council Members to the enthusiastic event volunteers who lend a helping hand, we are immensely grateful for each and every one of you. Without your unwavering dedication and commitment, none of the impactful work we do would be possible.

As we reflect on Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the incredible efforts of the Keiser University Equestrian team. Led by their coach, Lindsey McNeill, these passionate volunteers joined us at two significant events: Sunset Watering Hole, presented by The Garcia Companies, and the 2nd Annual Divertimentos & Dressage, presented by Lugano Diamonds, both taking place in Wellington during the 2024 Winter Equestrian Season.

At both events, the Keiser University Equestrian team played a pivotal role in ensuring their success. From assisting with registration and managing the silent auction to contributing to event set up and breakdown, their dedication and hard work were instrumental in creating memorable experiences for attendees and supporting our fundraising efforts.

To the Keiser University Equestrian team and all of our volunteers, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your generosity and commitment to our cause embody the spirit of Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we are honored to have you as part of the Brooke USA family. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for helping us make a meaningful difference in the lives of working equines and their communities.

Honoring Dorothy Brooke: A Month of Legacy and Giving

June marks a special month of remembrance and action as we celebrate Dorothy Brooke, the compassionate founder of Brooke Hospital for Animals, now known as Brooke: Action for Working Horses & Donkeys. Dorothy's unwavering dedication to improving the lives of working equines has left an indelible mark on the world, and we are proud to honor her legacy throughout the month of June.

Launching on June 1st, which would have been Dorothy Brooke's actual birthday, Dorothy Brooke Month is a time for reflection, gratitude, and action. As we commemorate her remarkable life and achievements, we invite our supporters and friends to join us in raising funds and awareness to continue her mission.

Throughout the month, there are numerous ways to show your support and make a difference:

1. Make a Donation: Consider making a donation in honor of Dorothy Brooke to support our ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of working equines and their communities. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a meaningful impact.

2. Save the Date: Mark June 30th in your calendar for Brooke USA's inaugural Giving Day in honor of Dorothy Brooke.

3. Host a Fundraiser: Organize a fundraising event or campaign to raise funds and awareness for Brooke USA's programs. Whether it's a bake sale, a virtual fundraiser, or a charity run, your efforts can help make a difference in the lives of equines in need.

4. Share Information: Spread the word about Brooke USA and Dorothy Brooke's legacy on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share our mission, success stories, and ways to get involved with your friends, family, and followers.

5. Download "The Lost War Horses of Cairo: The Passion of Dorothy Brooke": Purchase and download "The Lost War Horses of Cairo: The Passion of Dorothy Brooke" from Amazon, a captivating book that tells the inspiring story of Dorothy Brooke and her tireless efforts to rescue and rehabilitate working equines in Cairo, Egypt.

6. Write to Legislators: Advocate for equine welfare by writing to your legislators to support initiatives like The Ejiao Act. Your voice can help drive legislative change and improve the lives of working equines around the world.

As we culminate Dorothy Brooke Month on June 30th with a Giving Day, we invite you to join us in making a final push to support The Donkey Project and honor Dorothy's enduring legacy. Together, we can continue her mission of compassion, care, and advocacy for working equines, ensuring a brighter future for these incredible animals and the communities they serve. Thank you for your support and commitment to making a difference.

Brooke USA Announces New Brochure

Brooke USA Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of our newly designed and written brochure, marking a significant milestone in our strategic plan for the organization's future. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of our mission, values, and impact, our team has crafted a comprehensive resource that showcases our initiatives, programs, and achievements. This brochure not only serves as a testament to our commitment to equine welfare but also represents a vital tool in raising awareness, engaging supporters, and advancing our goals. As we embark on this exciting journey, we are confident that this brochure will play a pivotal role in propelling Brooke USA Foundation into the next phase of our strategic plan, driving greater impact and making a lasting difference in the lives of working equines and their communities. Special thanks to Nonprofit Nest for the design, and to Jennifer Paulson for the captivating writing, as well as our donors who reviewed the brochure and gave their comments. 

Help Us Celebrate You: Please Share Your Birthdate!

At Brooke USA, we deeply value the support and generosity of donors like you, and we are continuously grateful for your commitment to our cause to help working horses, donkeys and mules and the people they serve.

As part of our efforts to express our gratitude and strengthen our connection with our valued donors, we have initiated a program to celebrate your special day – your birthday!

To ensure that we can extend our warm wishes to you on your birthday, we kindly request that you share with us your birthdate (date and month only). Your birthdate will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used for the purpose of sending you a personalized birthday card from our team.

Please feel free to reach out to Madeleine Davidovits with your birthdate, or if you prefer, you can contact her directly at 305-903-7291.

Once again, thank you for your continued support of Brooke USA. Your generosity makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

We look forward to celebrating your special day with you!

Thank you for supporting Brooke USA.

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