Through their generous contributions of time and talents, DSC volunteers help with farm maintenance, care for the animals, answer the questions of those who visit on our Open Days (Wednesdays and Sundays, May through October), and once a year, our volunteers help with our largest fundraising event - Donkey Day. There are specific descriptions for each of the tasks for which we need volunteers. So, if you're at least 16 years of age, and interested in volunteering, read on for more about the ways you can help.
Grooming and Farm Maintenance: Each donkey and mule at the Sanctuary Farm is examined and groomed at least every week, and it's only with the help of our wonderful volunteers that we can realize this goal. As well, there are always daily maintenance chores that need to be done. Each volunteer is asked to attend an orientation session, followed by a specialized training session. Please contact volunteer@thedonkeysanctuary.ca for more information about registering for one of our orientation sessions.
2012 Orientation and Training Dates:
April 14 - orientation April 21 - training
July 14 - orientation July 21 - training
October 20 - orientation October 27 - training
We'll train you in the fine art of donkey care, and you'll have the opportunity to share in a world that is far far away from your daily concerns.
Volunteers' Day: Our 2012 Volunteers’ Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 5th, and volunteers of all ages are welcome. On the day there is always much to get done, which may include painting, repairing and cleaning the barn, the trails, the yards and the fences. The hours are 10:00-2:00 and snacks are provided. Wear old clothes, boots, and bring work gloves. Rain or shine, warm or cool, we'll be out there - and we hope you will be, too. Please contact volunteer@thedonkeysanctuary.ca if you plan to attend.
Donkey Day: Our biggest fundraiser, Donkey Day attracts 2000+ visitors every year. Which means, as you can imagine, that every year, we need all kinds of help with food, parking, tickets, donkey care and so much more. This year, we'll need help on: Donkey Day setup day: Saturday June 9, 2012 from 9:30 - 12:30 Donkey Day: Sunday June 10, 2012 from 9:30 - 4:30 (lunch will be provided to volunteers) Please contact volunteer@thedonkeysanctuary.ca if you plan to attend.
Meet, Greet, and Guide: We are open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays, from the first Sunday in May through to the end of October. Visitors love to talk about the donkeys. They have many questions, lots of observations to make, and we have much information to share with them. We have a great need for volunteers who can help us with meeting, greeting, informing, and guiding visitors about the Farm.
Photography: If you're a photographer - amateur or professional - using a digital camera, and can appreciate the difference between a good donkey photo, and, well, a not-so-good donkey photo - we'd love to hear from you. We are always in need of photos of our animals, particularly for use on our website. At this time we are unable to offer photography credits, so all photographs must be donated without restrictions or conditions.
If any of these volunteering opportunities appeal to you, please email volunteer@thedonkeysanctuary.ca or call 519-836-1697, and we can tell you more, and get you started.
Thanks very much for your interest - we hope to hear from you soon.
