We're delighted to share that we have chosen to support the heart-warming charity, The Hugs Foundation, with a £1000 donation. Based in Bodmin, this unique charity supports both animals and humans, with a passion and belief that one can help the other. The Hugs team works incredibly hard to rescue and rehabilitate horses, ponies and other animals, rehoming as many as possible. Experiencing first-hand the therapeutic qualities of these animals, the team soon saw the potential for combining the recovery of these incredible creatures alongside the well-being of people.
Offering intervention sessions for children, young people, the elderly, military personnel and veterans, The Hugs Foundation provides an alternative, additional therapeutic service to improve social, emotional, physical and mental well-being.
Many of the animals who find themselves under the care of The Hugs Foundation have experienced past trauma and abuse. While on their road to recovery and beyond, these incredible animals share a mutual understanding with the young people using the well-being service, who have varying challenges and needs in life.
We felt privileged to receive a visit from The Hugs Foundation as part of a thank you for our donation. Fundraising Manager Laura and Yard Manager Jana brought along star of the show, Dude the pony! Dude was greeted at the Aspects Holidays office in Hayle by a very smiley and welcoming team. Rescued as a nervous orphaned foal at just a few months old, after lots of care and rehabilitation, Dude became confident and learnt to trust people. He returns the kindness and care given to him by brightening peoples’ lives; Dude brings joy and fulfilment to elderly people living in care homes, as well as working with young people, children and veterans. Its little wonder he’s known as the ‘celebrity’ of Hugs!
Dude’s visit to the office brought a great deal of joy to our team, who continued to talk fondly about him throughout the week. Dude’s presence had a clear impact on everyone, with a sense of calm and contentment circulating the office as he clip-clopped around. It’s easy to see how the therapeutic nature of these empathetic animals helps to bring joy to the lives of people facing social, emotional and physical difficulties. Thanks to the dedication of the team at The Hugs Foundation, these incredible animals can connect with people in a way that humans can’t; forming special bonds with the people they support, especially those who struggle to communicate.
Fundraising Manager Laura from The Hugs Foundation passed on her appreciation: “Words cannot express our gratitude for such a kind and generous donation. Our charity is completely reliant on the kindness and support of donations like this, it really does make such a huge difference to the animals and people we support. Dude thoroughly enjoyed meeting the fabulous team at Aspects and we hope to visit again soon.”
Chair of the Charity Council for Aspects Holidays, Jenna Ali commented: “We are absolutely delighted to support such a fantastic charity who work tirelessly caring for the animals they’ve rescued and helping the people who use their service. The Hugs Foundation makes a difference to so many lives, both human and equine. Our wonderful visit from Dude really was the icing on the cake!”
The Hugs Foundation have recently applied for National Lottery funding for their latest project ‘Hooves, Hearts and Minds Aligned’. The project will support children, young people and their families, in times of need or crisis, working in natural spaces alongside the ponies and other rehabilitated animals. They’re an amazing charity and would really value your support (Please note, voting closes on Friday 26th May at 12pm).
You can vote here >
