Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge thanks donors after winter fundraiser nets more than $120K

Donkey refuge raised $120K

Photo: Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge

Mini donkeys at the refuge enjoying a special Christmas carrot treat.

The Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge said its winter matching donation fundraising campaign raised more than $120,000, surpassing its fundraising goal of $90,000.

The refuge said it raised a total of $129,217 by Dec. 31, 2025.

“We are blown away by the generosity of each donor to help us raise these funds, which support our operations and care for the donkeys during our winter season,” said Robert Miller, president of the donkey refuge.

“Thanks to this fundraiser, we are able to balance our budget and continue providing quality care for the donkeys and mules here at the donkey refuge.”

The Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge cares for a large population of senior and high-care needs donkeys and mules which comes with a high price tag. For 2025, the donkey refuge had a budget between $700,000 and $800,000 with the majority of the money coming through donations.

Miller said matching donation fundraisers have made all the difference in keeping the refuge going.

“This year has been exceptional for matching fundraisers. We have had two amazing supportive donors — Sakura’s Hope Foundation, who matched $50,000 in donations during the spring, and Carmina and Terry who helped us with a summer match of $49,000, and our most recent winter match, where they matched $45,000,” he said.

“We could not be more grateful for the support of Carmina and Terry, and Sakura’s Hope Foundation.”

Miller said matching funds accounted for nearly 30 per cent of the charity’s budget for 2025, with $218,000 raised during the three matching donation campaigns.

“We are looking forward to a calm spring and are especially excited about our summer visitor season,” Miller said.

The refuge is open for visitors from May 1 to Sept. 6 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Admission costs just $15 for adults and $12 for youth and seniors. Children four and under get in for free.

“We want to keep things affordable so everyone can visit the donkeys,” Miller said.

Donations to support the donkey refuge can be made online through the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge website.

All donations receive a tax receipt.