A Season of Thanks Story: Enosi and His Donkeys of Rwamgasa Gold Mine, Tanzania

Deep in the Rwamgasa gold mines of Tanzania, the air is thick with dust and determination. Among the miners working tirelessly under the sun is Enosi, a proud donkey owner and father who depends on his five loyal donkeys for nearly every part of his livelihood.

Since 2014, Enosi’s donkeys have been his partners in life and labor — carrying heavy stones from the mines, hauling sand, and transporting crops from the fields. Each day’s work brings him about 20,000 Tanzanian shillings (roughly $5.59 USD), enough to feed his family, send his children to school, and buy their books.

But while Enosi has always valued his animals, proper equine care wasn’t something the miners of Rwamgasa had access to — until recently.

Thanks to Brooke USA’s funding, and our field partner Brooke East Africa, we have been able to bring vital training and outreach to gold mining communities across Tanzania. Their dedicated teams, led by Grace Mumbua, have transformed the way donkey owners like Enosi understand and care for their animals.

“Before the training,” Enosi admits, “we didn’t know if a donkey was young or old, male or female — or even how to take care of them properly.”

Through hands-on workshops, miners have learned how to identify signs of illness, treat wounds, manage heavy loads, and use humane harnessing methods. These seemingly simple lessons have led to healthier, happier donkeys — and stronger, more sustainable livelihoods for their owners.

Now, Enosi looks toward the future with gratitude and hope.

“I know Brooke East Africa will continue to educate us on many things,” he says, “and we will do many good things in return.”

This transformation — from uncertainty to empowerment — is made possible because of you. Your generosity through Brooke USA helps ensure that hardworking people like Enosi, and the donkeys who carry their world on their backs, can live and work with dignity.

This Season of Thanks, we’re celebrating the lives changed — thanks to your compassion.

We are delighted to invite you to Brooke USA’s 2025 Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C., taking place November 19–21! This exciting and meaningful event offers a rare opportunity to meet with Members of Congress and the Senate to advocate for the protection and welfare of working equines worldwide—specifically through support of the Ejiao Act.

About the Ejiao Act

The Ejiao Act (H.R. 5544), sponsored by Representative Don Beyer (D-VA), would ban the import and sale of products containing ejiao—a gelatin derived from boiling donkey hides and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The global demand for ejiao has led to the slaughter of millions of donkeys each year, devastating communities that depend on them for transport, livelihoods, and income. Passing this legislation would be a major step toward ending the cruel and unsustainable donkey hide trade and protecting these essential animals and the people who rely on them.

Event Highlights

· Dates: November 19–21, 2025

· Location: Washington, D.C.

· Key Meeting: With Rep. Don Beyer, sponsor of the Ejiao Act, November 20 at 11:00 a.m. on Capitol Hill

During Advocacy Days, participants will:

· Visit congressional offices with Brooke USA representatives

· Learn how advocacy influences real policy outcomes

· Experience our legislative branch in action, meeting the people shaping the laws that protect animals

Preparation and Logistics

To ensure everyone feels confident and well-prepared, we’ll host a training webinar the week before Advocacy Days. This session will review key talking points, provide background on the Ejiao Act, and outline what to expect during congressional visits.

For travel planning, Madeleine Davidovits is available to share information about recommended hotels near Capitol Hill, ensuring close proximity to both Brooke USA Board members and staff, and opportunities for enhanced group interaction and networking.

Why Attend

Advocacy Days is more than a trip to Washington—it’s a chance to be part of change, to see democracy in action, and to raise your voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned supporter, this experience will inspire and empower you.

RSVP

If you’d like to participate or learn more, please contact Madeleine Davidovits at Made.David@BrookeUSA.org by November 5. Space is limited, so we encourage early registration.

Together, we can make a lasting impact for donkeys and the people who depend on them.

We are thrilled to announce the release of the documentary From Skin to Skincare – The shocking truth behind the donkey skin trade, led by Dr. Scott Miller, a passionate pioneer in equine welfare and veterinary medicine.

Dr. Miller has dedicated decades to advancing humane treatment for working equines. His work has taken him across the globe, where he has witnessed firsthand the profound bond between humans and horses, and the extraordinary role they play in sustaining livelihoods.

‘From Skin to Skincare’ uncovers the trade in donkey hides and the huge impact it is having on animals and people around the world. The film explores how this trade could wipe out half of Africa’s donkey population by 2040.

The 70-minute documentary takes viewers to the heart of the issue, inside illegal slaughterhouses and across communities deeply affected by the loss of their donkeys.

Watch the documentary now by visiting the Rescue Vet channel.

Celebrating Success in the Carolinas: A Season of Thanks to Our Supporters

This Season of Thanks, we’re overflowing with gratitude for our incredible supporters in the Carolinas! Thanks to your generosity — and the dedication of our passionate Regional Advisory Councils — Brooke USA’s recent events were nothing short of extraordinary.

Ponies & Pearls – Aiken, South Carolina
In true Southern style, Ponies & Pearls shone bright in Aiken, raising an impressive $40,000 to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys, and mules around the world. From the laughter shared to the meaningful conversations about impact, it was a beautiful reminder of what compassion in action looks like.

Photos by: Shelley Schmidt/Oh Schmidt Productions

An Evening in The Foothills – North Carolina
Not to be outdone, our North Carolina community gathered in The Foothills for an unforgettable evening of friendship and philanthropy — raising nearly $100,000 in support of Brooke USA’s mission. The spirit of giving was alive and well as guests came together to create lasting change for working equines and the people who depend on them.

Photo by: Mark Jump Photography

To everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, rode, or helped make these events possible — thank you. Your kindness and commitment continue to move mountains (and hay bales!) for those who need it most.

Your experience matters. Every story helps Brooke USA grow and continue our vital work. This year, we’re aiming for the Gold Star rating on GreatNonprofits — a badge of honor that reflects transparency, impact, and community trust.

If Brooke USA has touched your life or inspired you, please share your story at: greatnonprofits.org/org/brooke-usa-inc.

Your voice helps others find Brooke USA and join our mission. Let’s make 2025 the year we earn the Gold Star together.

Together, We Create Change.

From disaster relief to advocacy, from meaningful events to transparent leadership, Brooke USA’s work is powered by supporters like you. Thank you for standing with us — and the animals and communities who depend on your compassion.