A CHARITY farm raised more than £4,000 at its annual open day to support adults with learning disabilities.
The Boaz Project opened its doors to the public on Saturday, June 3. Visitors to Hill Farm in Sutton Scotney were able to get up close to a range of unusual animals, including an African pygmy hedgehog, giant tortoise, bumblebee royal python and barn owl brought by visiting zoo Feathers, Fangs and Furries.
Other highlights included a plant sale, tractor rides, craft stalls, fun games, brass band and a chance to pet one of Boaz’s resident donkeys.
READ MORE: The Boaz Project throws its doors open to the public
Manager Stuart Palmer said: “We’re more used to egg-laying chickens, donkeys and sheep at Boaz than exotic animals but it was great fun to host a mini zoo this year. We’re grateful to the Smith family for managing the visiting zoo and looking after the exotic animals so well and indeed everyone who made the day such a success.”
The open day and plant sale comes just weeks after the first Boaz charity golf day raised a further £2,000. Now, the charity is focused on recruiting new volunteers to join its small army of unpaid helpers.
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Stuart said: “Volunteering at Boaz suits a broad range of ages and backgrounds. Volunteers can come for a whole day or half a day and work alongside staff and people with mild to moderate learning disabilities. No experience is needed just a desire to help.
“Activities include horticulture, animal care, crafts, woodwork and cooking. A home cooked lunch is served every day followed by a gentle walk with donkeys around this beautiful arable farm.
“Coming to Boaz provides an opportunity to focus on what’s truly important - nature, people, relationships and appreciating life lived in the moment.”
The Boaz Project was set up in 2007, to provide adults with learning disabilities with a therapeutic learning environment and an opportunity to work on the land. Boaz now helps more than 30 adults.
For more information go to boazproject.co.uk.
Click on the top image to see photos from the day taken by Jesse Beale.
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