Volunteer stories: Judy C.
Judy has been a DSC volunteer for more than 10 years and wishes more people knew about the great work that goes on here
Volunteers of all ages and abilities lend their time, ability and energy at the DSC and help to make possible a large part of the work we are able to do. We could not accomplish what we do without them.
As a not-for-profit, the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada relies on volunteers to help with the ongoing task of caring for the more than 100 equines at our farm. We are so very grateful for the work done by our volunteers.
There are many ways you can volunteer with us. You may volunteer on regular basis to help out with barn chores and donkey care. Or, you may volunteer less often, by lending a hand at one of our yearly events, joining our Environmental Committee or exercising your green thumb in our gardening group. We also have opportunities for volunteers with special skills like carpentry, craft-making, conservation and even bird-watching for ongoing projects at the DSC.
If you’d like to get started with the process of becoming a volunteer with us, email volunteer@thedonkeysanctuary.ca and ask for a volunteer application. Thank you for your interest!
Complete a volunteer application and email it to volunteer@thedonkeysanctuary.ca
Once your volunteer application has been accepted, you will be invited to a Volunteer Orientation. The Orientation is scheduled for a Saturday and runs from 9:00am-2:00pm. During that time, you will learn about the DSC’s policies and procedures and the expectations of a DSC volunteer. Following the Orientation, you will schedule two training sessions with our Animal Care Staff and four training sessions working with a Mentor volunteer. Once all sessions are completed you are welcome to volunteer independently.
You may volunteer for a 2 hour shift, or stay for the day! The first half of your shift will be spent completing chores. This may include mucking stalls, cleaning paddocks, sweeping and checking the water troughs. The second part of your shift is spent grooming and bonding with the donkeys.
We have many volunteer opportunities available! From mucking stalls and grooming donkeys to working on Open Days; cheering runners and walkers on at our annual fundraising event PACE to being a parking attendant or weeding one of our beautiful gardens—we have something for everyone!
Yes. To volunteer independently at the DSC we require your child to be 16 years old. To volunteer at an event or on one of our Community Workdays, we require your child to be 10 years old and to volunteer with a guardian.
You may volunteer on up to 6 of the 7 days of the week! Thursdays are a day off for volunteers as our Animal Care team works with our vet and farrier. Our volunteers work all year long, rain or shine.
Yes! We have events such as PACE, our annual fundraiser; as well as two Community Workdays scheduled each year with opportunities to volunteer. Sign up as an event volunteer when you fill out an application.
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is a not-for-profit licensed charity. Our mission is to provide a lifelong home to donkeys, mules and hinnies that are unwanted, neglected or abused and we promote the responsible stewardship of all animals through humane education. We envision a world in which the dignity and worth of all creatures are recognized and respected.
Judy has been a DSC volunteer for more than 10 years and wishes more people knew about the great work that goes on here
Linda’s love for donkeys was born during an Open Day visit and inspired her to begin volunteering at the DSC
Our biggest annual fundraiser is happening soon, on September 29! Come run (or walk) on the trails of the DSC—you’ll have quite an audience of appreciative donkeys and mules.
