Brooke's work during the Coronavirus crisis: FAQs

Do you think it is appropriate to ask people for money now, when their jobs and businesses may be under threat?

During these difficult times we understand that many people may be struggling financially. We completely understand that you may not be able to support our work at this time. We remain very grateful for all the kindness you have shown to Brooke.

If you donate to Brooke on a regular basis and if you would like to take a payment holiday from donations or to decrease the amount you are giving we would be more than happy to help with this.

Working horses, donkeys and mules are just in need of support as ever, if not more. Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, horses, donkeys and mules are still out working. They are bringing water and food for washing and cooking, and they are earning money to keep families and communities going throughout the Coronavirus crisis. During this global emergency they are more important than ever. 

Brooke is working hard to support these working animals and the communities that rely on them, and we really appreciate any support you are able to give.

Is it right for you to ask people for funds when they may be in a vulnerable position at the moment? 

These are uncertain times for us all and we appreciate that many people will not be in a position to support us. However, even at this time we have a duty of care to the animals that we support to continue to raise much needed funds, where possible. 

During these difficult times we appreciate that many people in the UK may be struggling too. Therefore, we understand that you may not be able to support our work at this time, or not at the same level. That being said, during the last few weeks, our supporters have shown great concern into how we are going to continue our vital work with the working animals. And we wanted to offer them the opportunity to be able to help.

Which is why we are offering our supporters the option to decrease the amount they are giving to make it more affordable or they can take a payment holiday from donations.

Of course we appreciate that many people’s situations have changed drastically within the last few weeks and sadly we cannot always be aware of people’s individual circumstances when we contact them. However, if we are informed of a supporter’s change in circumstance, or if they would prefer not to hear from us at this present time, we of course will ensure that we adhere to their wishes, as it is never our intention to cause distress when fundraising.

What exactly will my money be used for and how does it relate to the COVID-19 crisis?

Any donations we receive will be used where the need is greatest to support all of the vital work of Brooke. This will help with ongoing work, as well as enabling our country programmes to support local communities during this challenging time. 

Is Brooke in a good financial position? Is there cause for concern?

Like all well-established charities we have financial reserves in place to ensure we are able to continue doing our vital work, even at times of crisis like this. In the short to medium term we can continue as before, however it is crucial that we continue to fundraise to support this work, now more than ever as we cannot leave these communities without support. 

Are some charities using this crisis as an opportunity to go after funds?

In this period of national uncertainty, donations to many charities have dropped, meaning many causes are searching for vital funds to support their work. At Brooke, this is no different. We have seen a drop in the donations we are receiving but the need is still there to support working horses, donkeys and mules across the world as well as the communities that rely on them, so we are reaching out to our most loyal supporters to see if they can give any additional help at this time. However we completely understand that this may not be possible and remain very grateful for the support people already give.

Why spend the precious funds you do have on sending a mailing?

Please be assured that all of our fundraising practices are considered thoroughly, and the results analysed, to ensure that they are successful and are raising more for Brooke than they cost.  Our investment into fundraising includes all mailings, press adverts, TV appeals, telephone appeals and many other fundraising activities. For every £1.00 invested into fundraising, Brooke raises £2.90, so we take this as evidence that our fundraising is effective and not wasteful. At a time like this it is particularly important we remain able to raise funds, so that we can support our work overseas; improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules both now and well into the future.

Should you prefer not to receive postal communications in the future, or wish to change any of your communication preferences please do contact our Supporter Care Team on 020 7470 9393 or email [email protected]

If you would like to know more about where our funding comes from, and how it is spent, our annual reports are available to the public here.

What about your work in the field? Are animals still receiving help?

For up-to-date information on Brooke's work in the field during the COVID-19 crisis, please visit this page.