Second Chance Sponsorship

As stated earlier the manager Nick Higham spoke to me about the new sponsorship scheme they have launched and how it works. He also stated that this new scheme really develops what they want as a charity and that is to make sure each equine has the opportunity to have a forever home and be happy. He also told me that Sir Paul McCartney was the first sponsor within the scheme as patron for the charity. 

(My photograph taken within the centre)

Sir Paul McCartney states on the poster: “HAPPA does a wonderful job ensuring that all of their rescued horses undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation process with the aim of finding them a permanent home through their legally binding loan scheme. I hope you support this excellent work and join me in becoming a HAPPA second chance sponsor."

Report based on the new scheme:

The majority of adoption/sponsorship schemes up and down the country rely on the animal being kept at the charity/rescue centre rather than being found a loving new home. Whilst HAPPA recognises that not every animal can be guaranteed a new home, it feels that all horses, ponies and donkeys in their care should be given a Second Chance and must be offered the best opportunity of a new life in a Forever Home.

Kay Brandist, the charity’s Chief Officer said: “A recent review of our activities highlighted that our existing Adoption Scheme did not fit our Mission to continually strive to improve equine welfare through rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and education. Rescue is just the beginning of an animal’s journey at HAPPA, a robust rehabilitation and rehoming programme is equally vital.”

“In some cases we felt that animals in our Centre were being denied a chance of a new home as our adopters, under our previous offer, enjoyed visiting them and spending time at our Shores Hey Farm Rehoming Centre and keeping animals available for these 1:1 visits had become an expectation implicit within the scheme”.

“We believe that the introduction of our new Second Chance Sponsorship scheme is at the heart of our work which focuses on giving all horses, ponies and donkeys a Second Chance to enjoy happy fulfilled lives in  kind, loving new Forever Homes. The whole purpose of this scheme is to gather support for each animal during the rehabilitation and rehoming process.”

Kay Brandist added: “When someone decides to become a Second Chance Sponsor they can choose their favourite horse, pony or donkey from the animals available and receive a very generous welcome pack as a thank you from HAPPA. Once the sponsored equine finds the right Forever Home, the sponsor will then receive their first Rosette and be asked to choose another animal belonging to the scheme, when this animal is rehomed, the sponsor will receive another rosette in the series, and so on. The whole purpose of this scheme is to gather support for each animal during their rehabilitation and rehoming programme and involve our sponsors in the process.”

My Own Sponsorship 

As part of my research I also sponsored one of the younger equines within their scheme. Two younger equines were rescued quite recently and they're both around 12 months old. Joey is featured on the sponsorship page and it only cost 48 pounds to commit to a sponsorship, I should receive my pack soon. Donating a small amount of money into the charity did make me feel quite good about myself and I think that also impacts on the design I also create, I do love design with a purpose which can raise awareness or educate people. 

"Little Joey and Albert were found fly grazing in a high risk situation near to a very busy main road and were rescued for their own safety and to prevent a potential road accident. Fly grazing is an ever increasing problem facing UK land-owners and occurs when equines are placed on grazing land without the land owner’s permission. Both animals were severely infested with lice and were underweight. Having fought their own battle Joey and Albert are now safe at the Charity’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Burnley."

The two young horses will stay at the centre for around another three years until they have matured into fully grown adults. 

"Sarah Arthur, Equine Manager explains “The cost of the time they will spend with us, their specialist treatment including castration, nutritional support and other veterinary fees amounts to £500 each week and is a significant financial commitment for our small charity. HAPPA are appealing to all their supporters to assist in funding their care."

Pack received from sponsorship: 

I found from reading through the magazine that there was a whole range of different stories within and the main double spread based on World War photographs and stories which directly do appeal to the older people who support HAPPA. They are also running a special luncheon this year (August) in conjunction with celebrating the 100 year Anniversary of World War 1. HAPPA also appeals to children to as shown above with the visit from CBeebies. But overall the people who visit HAPPA and get involved are not really a set target audience at all, all ages and genders visit the centre.