The Donkey Sanctuary has come into possession of a rare apple and is asking supporters to vote for their favourite Christmas donkey to decide which will get to eat it.

The golden delicious apple, which made national headlines, is split exactly half red and half green with a precise line down the middle. Experts believe the odds of finding this particular specimen are a million to one. In return for a donation, supporters are invited to vote for which of the Twelve Donkeys of Christmas should be fed the apple.

The Twelve Donkeys of Christmas are: Wilson, Angel, Stardust, Holly, Gabriel, Joy, Twinkle, Clementine, Tinsel, Silver, Mary and Joseph.

When making your donation, let us know in your message which donkey you would this unique apple to be fed to.

The Donkey Sanctuary will feed the apple to the donkey who has received the most votes by 4th December 2009.

The sanctuary’s typical bill for apples and carrots costs on average £144 per week. Donkeys require a carefully managed diet of highly fibrous plant material whilst older or unwell donkeys who have special dietary needs will have their feeds supplemented with nutritious and tasty apples and carrots. With over three thousand donkeys in their permanent care, bills at The Donkey Sanctuary can reach over £7,495 per annum on apples and carrots alone.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, your money will go directly to The Donkey Sanctuary and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.