Innovative Welsh company Good Day Out is offering fun virtual encounters with its little animals, streamed live from the Brecon Beacons.
Choose from a mini donkey pottering about, a Kune Kune pig, chunky pony, little duck or Toro, the cuddly guinea pig.
Not only are these funny ways to surprise your co-workers in a Zoom meeting, but they also have an extra feelgood mission.
With every appearance, half the money raised will go to the animal filmed to help support their health and welfare. The other half will go to a new fund which supports the wellbeing of NHS staff and care workers.
This new Treat the NHS Fund will offer discounts and treats on all Good Day Out experiences for NHS staff and care workers, and hopes to support their health and wellbeing with restorative mini-breaks when we can travel again safely.
Good Day Out would normally have been really busy at this time of the year, with small group encounters, paddling with pigs, dinky donkey walks and sheepdog sessions, but have had to postpone all experiences due to the Coronavirus crisis.
Company owner, Julia Blazer has been faced with no income for a few months, whilst still having animals to care for daily along with their normal food and welfare costs.
“We have been incredibly lucky, as not only do we live in the Brecon Beacons, surrounded by beautiful countryside, but our experiences are based on informal settings and personal connection, so the animals are not as affected as are larger petting farms and zoos,” she said.
“I was inspired to offer the virtual appearances by seeing a llama in Silicone Valley. It’s such a funny idea – I am hoping people will enjoy meeting our gang and that they will come to see us in person when lockdown safely ends.
“Good Day Out has a remit of helping a good cause with everything we do, so it was only natural to want to help NHS workers by treating them to a well-earned break when this is all over.
“I am hoping we can raise enough to make a difference to at least some of the amazing, selfless people who have been putting their lives on the line throughout the crisis.
“We also hope that families and friends will join in and book a virtual appearance for special occasions, as birthdays and anniversaries will all be quite different this year. There is a pay it forward gift option without the appearance should people just wish to donate to the Treat the NHS Fund, but a snoozing pig or dinky donkey will certainly brighten anyone’s day.”
The virtual experiences cost £50 and half the money taken will be donated towards the Good Day Out Treat the NHS Fund which will give discounts and treats to NHS staff and care workers for all Good Day Out experiences when we are able.
“The exact discounts and treats will be dependent on funds available and will be promoted when we have an indication of when it is safe to resume our normal experience days and activities,” added Julia.
“The other half of the money taken will go towards the animals participating and their welfare. Should someone be really keen to have a virtual visit but cannot afford the £50 fee, we are happy to help where possible.”
For more information about the virtual encounters, visit www.gooddayout.co.uk or contact Julia on Tel: 07748 778275 or email [email protected]
