10/05/2026
HELP US SEND THESE KIDS TO STUDY!
Three years ago, we began noticing three children flying down the roads of Água de Alto on
rusty bicycles — later scooters, rubber boats, always moving through the rain and sunshine
with wild island spirit. Their names are Lilli, Gabriel, and Valerio.
One day during a donkey walk, little Valerio looked at one of our donkeys and gave the most
heartfelt “Hee Haw!” imaginable. From that moment, a beautiful friendship began.
These children come from a loving family of nine siblings and have always shown
extraordinary care for animals, people, and community.
Then tragedy struck. Valerio suffered a brain abscess rupture connected to an old bicycle
accident that fractured his skull. He was rushed to the mainland, temporarily lost his vision,
and now lives with permanent hearing loss.
But Valerio is a fighter.
With a hearing implant and endless determination, he is slowly learning to speak again. In the
absence of speech therapists, we began working with our donkey Anacleto — using sound,
breath, presence, and connection to help Valerio rebuild confidence in his voice. And it’s
working.
Now we have an opportunity to support these incredible young people even further.
Soon, renowned horseman and facilitator Guto Petry will be offering transformational training
in Portugal based on non-violent equine connection, emotional healing, and community
empowerment.
His work teaches:
Self-awareness & emotional regulation
Empathy & non-verbal communication
Shared healing & human connection
Respectful coexistence with nature
This aligns deeply with the mission of Donkeys and Friends: helping young Azoreans reconnect
to purpose, confidence, and possibility.
We want to send these kids to participate in this life-changing experience.
We need your help to raise €500 per child.
This covers flights and food — accommodation has generously already been offered.
If we can make this happen, we promise to document the journey and share the learning with
everyone longing for deeper connection with animals, nature, and themselves.
If you would like to support these beautiful young humans, please reach out
or donate. Every contribution matters.
PayPal - [email protected]
MBway +351 926724810
Novo Banco Açores
Acct: 100889700008
IBAN: PT50016001000088970000875
