In June 2023 we welcomed an energetic team of National Lottery winners who donned their sun hats and waterproofs and put in a day of hard graft to give the four-legged residents at Hillside sanctuary, a new lease of life. The team of 20 winners stepped up when they heard about The Cinnamon Trust’s plan to install a herb garden and gym specifically for the dogs who, having lost their owners, are now resident at The Trust’s home in Devon.

Working alongside The Cinnamon Trust team, the millionaire workforce rolled up their sleeves getting stuck in to create a uniquely dog-friendly space where the more senior hounds can amble and browse to their hearts content amongst more than 20 varieties of herbs. Meanwhile, those with slightly more spring in their step will be able to enjoy the bespoke doggy gym which includes ramps, sand pits and a one-of-a-kind lottery ball pit.

For the resident dogs at the Devon home such as the Corgi sisters, Becky and Bonnie, feisty Vanja the Swedish Vallhund and Nina the doting golden retriever, this means a bungalow with plenty of comfy sofas and attentive staff, dispensing plenty of cuddles and pats. And now, thanks to the help of National Lottery winners from across the South West, they can also enjoy their own gym and herb garden.

Julie White, our Hillside Sanctuary Manager, was astounded at all that was achieved, she said “So much of what we do is making sure that the pets that arrive here enjoy the same level of care, love and attention that they would have received with their owners. Many of our dogs, like their owners before, are a little elderly, so keeping them active is paramount for their good health which is where the National Lottery Winner Volunteer Workforce came in today, building us a doggy herb garden and gym which will keep their senses, and limbs, in good order.