Woman Donates Mink to PETA
By Charles Mahaleris
Talon News
May 3, 2004

What do you do when you own a fur coat and have a change of heart about animal cruelty? PETA will take your coat and send it to the needy in Iraq.

Temperatures during the winter months in the northern, mountainous part of Iraq can reach below zero but one lucky Iraqi will be sporting a mink coat to help them brace against the cold thanks to a program organized by animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The group, which has in the past thrown paint on people sporting fur coats in the past, is now collecting the pricey garments and sending them to the poor in other lands when Americans change their mind about owning the skin of a formerly living animal.

The most recent donor is West Bend resident Margaret Borchardt who decided it was time to pass on her full-length mink coat after some Spring cleaning.

"After I found out how animals are raised and killed for their fur, I could not wear the coat anymore. I was happy to donate it to a good cause," Borchardt said.

Officials at PETA said Borchardt's coat was part of a donation sent to Iraq. Donated coats are also sent to needy in the United States and some are used in museum displays.