The Flicka Foundation receives Sanctuary Accreditation!

Sometimes in life we all need to know we are doing something right, doing something well. That’s why we have exams, get degrees, diplomas, pass our driving test, win medals and trophies. Or even a pat on the back when for a personal achievement, playing an instrument or working hard to perfect that dance. Certificates on the wall are the final piece of paper that tell a very long story, and let us know we made it, we reached a goal, although there’s always more to do, this challenge was successful, until the next certificate.

As an animal sanctuary we follow our hearts; our morals, passion and compassion tell us we are doing the best we possibly can for the animals that, for one reason or another, find themselves in need of our help. It is a challenging lifestyle with tough and sad times, but the rewards are immense. Of course, in an ideal world there would be no such thing as charity, sanctuaries would not be needed, but it is a sad reality. A plaster on the cruelty of life.

But we too have felt for some time we needed to know that Flicka is doing it right in a recognised way; not so we can puff our chests out and take praise or glory, but because we needed to know if Flicka is a good sanctuary, a professional sanctuary on the world stage of animal sanctuaries. After all, you wouldn’t go to an unqualified doctor or dentist or a solicitor without those all-important letters after their names. It gives kudos and credibility. We felt it would be so good to have a professional body tell us "you’re doing ok". 

One of our main reasons to try and get endorsement from a worldwide governing body was to set the bar high, to continue Mary Berryman’s ethos and vision which was handed to our current Directors, Judy and Laurie. Now they want to ensure high levels of commitment, ethics and drive and of course professionalism, when someone else picks up the mantle.

For the last few months, we have been working diligently behind the scenes, not just saving lots more precious donkeys, but also for an application to the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries to try and obtain Verification. It was such a red-letter day when we had completed all the requirements for Verification, Flicka was then invited by GFAS to apply for their highest accolade, Accreditation, they must have thought we were quite good!! So off we went again more legalities, documents and requirements to get us over the line. We felt this will tell all our supporters that when you visit Flicka, when you donate to Flicka, when you fundraise for Flicka, when we save donkeys, you can believe in us to do the right thing. You can always trust us to put an animals’ welfare at the top of our priorities and we will live our lives for them.

At this point we must thank the whole Flicka team, without you none of this would be possible. A special thanks to Claire Turnbull, your patience, diligence and hard work meeting ridiculous deadlines, has been second to none, putting up with umpteen emails and phone calls at midnight and beyond!

So, we know, and hope, you will be as delighted as we are. In fact, we are beyond thrilled that on the 15th February, after months of hard work and a stringent inspection, we had the most wonderful letter from one of the Program Directors of GFAS…

"Hi Judy,

Congratulations!

 The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Accreditation Committee met today, Tuesday, February 15, 2022, and reviewed the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary's application for Accreditation. The Accreditation Committee commends you and your team for your commitment to helping equines in need not only in the United Kingdom but other countries as well. The Committee was particularly impressed with the high quality of care you provide these animals and your attention to their safety and wellbeing.  In addition to providing excellent care, your dedication to non-profit management best practices and humane education is the mark of an organization that truly wants to make a difference in the lives of animals.

 The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary met or exceeded all standards for GFAS Accreditation.  As part of the Accreditation process, GFAS would like to issue a press release on your behalf.

Thanks so much and again, congratulations!"

There is always so much work to do, but now The Flicka Foundation is Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries our high standards must be maintained. Going forward into the future, whoever is at the helm must follow our vision. It gives us a little bit of comfort, after all none of us are immortal...!