Shuswap donkey refuge announces opening date and celebration honouring late co-founder

A beloved donkey refuge in the Shuswap has announced its opening date for the 2025 season.

It’s been about a month since Shirley Mainprize, co-founder of Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge, passed away and although her husband is still mourning his wife, he has decided to go ahead with a May opening date.

“Shirley was dedicated to the donkeys and her wish was to continue the refuge legacy of care, education and connection with our visitors,” said Rob Miller, co-founder.

The refuge will open to the public on May 2.

It will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm until Sept. 7.

This is also a special year at the refuge and several events are planned throughout the summer.

A news release says May 25 marks the 50th birthday for resident donkey Rooster, making him the oldest donkey of the bunch.

There will be a special donkey cake and visitors can enjoy human cake and ice cream donated by Safety Mart Foods in Chase.

As seen in previous years, the refuge will be raising funds for Donkey care and comfort with charity partner Sakura’s Hope Foundation matching up to $50,000 in donations.

The refuge hopes to raise $120,000 from now until June 30.

The news release says this is about a quarter of the annual budget needed to keep the lights on and the donkeys fed.

“Every donation helps and we are extremely lucky to be supported by our community, including a huge contribution from Trouw Nutrition/Hi-Pro Feeds of their Canadian-made Step Right Premium Equine Feed which saves our donors thousands a year in feed costs and helps keep our senior and special needs equines in great condition,” Miller noted.

According to the news release, Trouw Nutrition representatives will be attending the annual Hay Day celebration on Aug. 17 to raise funds for the refuge’s buy-a-bale fund, which supports the cost of the 4,3000 bales of hay needed to feed all the donkeys and mules.

Finally, to mark the passing of Shirley and to honour her life, work and vision, a special celebration and tribute will be held on July 14.

Anyone who is unable to attend the event will be treated to tea and coffee on July 20.

More details will be made available on the refuge’s website closer to the events.