Over the past few months, I’ve been working behind the scenes on something pretty special: updates and improvements to the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada’s website.
I’ve worked with the DSC on their communications—both copy and design—since 2009, and it continues to be one of the most meaningful collaborations of my career. I was delighted to work on making their site more accurately reflect their brand character (modest and earnest), while showcasing the animals themselves in as many places as possible.
The refresh was all about blending warmth and usability:
One of my personal goals was to reflect the rural serenity of the sanctuary itself. The website is, after all, many people’s first glimpse of this beautifully tranquil place. The DSC is singularly fortunate to have many supporters who are also quite excellent photographers. Thanks to these generously talented folk, I was able to share the wonder of the donkeys and mules, and their home, too. I was genuinely spoiled for choice looking through the donated photos on the sanctuary’s photo drive.
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada truly needs to be visited to be understood. I mean, of course I am a huge fan of their work. But on its own merit, the sanctuary is a gorgeous spot, and the animals themselves are fascinating. Donkeys are equines, just as horses are. But they’re a special kind of equine. Gentle, curious, mischievous, intelligent, playful—and rather absurdly fond of ear scratches, donkeys capture your heart with an almost mystical ease. If you’ve never met a donkey (or a mule or a hinny), I highly recommend a visit. In the meantime, check out the site and maybe fall in love with one (or several): thedonkeysanctuary.ca
