Events

Upcoming 2026 Visitor Season

May 1, 2026 - Sept 6, 2026 - Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10:30am - 3:30pm

Elkie and the Minis can’t wait for green pastures and sunny days ahead!
They’re so excited to announce the schedule for our 2026 Summer Season!

💛 Visitor Season – from May 1 – September 6, 2026
📅 Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
🕥 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM (last entry 3 PM)
📍 7877 Skimikin Rd, Chase BC

Our long-ears and mules are ready to make new friends — and they can’t wait to see you this summer at the Refuge!

You can book tickets online here: https://simpli.events/e/tvdr-summer-2026

(Please note you do not need to book online, you are welcome to drop-in during our summer season and pay admission at the Donkey Shoppe when you arrive. We accept: Cash, Cheques, Debit, & Credit)

Donkey Grooming Basics Class

Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 10am to 2pm

Join our Herd Health Staff for an informative class that will provide you with all the skills you will need to become a Donkey Grooming Volunteer here at the Refuge! This class will be 4 hours from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Refuge.

You will learn everything from how to brush a donkey to hoof cleaning and donkey communication & safe handling practices.

All participants will receive a one year non-voting membership to the Refuge! This class is mandatory for all anyone who wishes to become a Donkey Grooming Volunteer at the Refuge.

Volunteer Clean Up Day

Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 11am - 2pm

Calling all Volunteers! You are welcome to stop by & to give us a hand with miscellaneous jobs around the Refuge to help with getting everything ready for our 2026 visitor season. Join us & learn more about volunteering for events at the Refuge!

Jobs may include: raking gravel, picking up yard debris, pulling weeds, planting flowers, painting picnic tables/benches, washing halters & lead ropes & more.

Our huge thanks, as well as Coffee, Tea & light snacks will be available for all volunteers. All volunteers will be welcome to visit with the donkeys for donkey hugs after their tasks are complete!

If you have any questions, please give us a call – 250-679-2778

Donkey Grooming Basics Class

Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 10am to 2pm

You will learn everything from how to brush a donkey to hoof cleaning and donkey communication & safe handling practices.

All participants will receive a one-year non-voting membership to the Refuge! This class is mandatory for anyone who wishes to become a Donkey Grooming Volunteer at the Refuge.

FMI email – volunteer -at- tvdr.ca

July Market Day at the Refuge

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Join the Donkeys & local crafters, businesses & other makers for Market Day at the Refuge!

More Information to come.

Hay Day!

Sunday, August 16, 2026 10:30am - 3:30pm

This fun, family-friendly event is admission by donation, with every dollar going straight to our Buy-a-Bale Hay Fund – helping us cover the cost of the 4,300+ bales of hay needed to feed our beloved donkeys and mules each year. More info on special activities & more to come!

Sunflower Sendoff

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Celebrate the end of the Season with the Donkeys! We invite you to our Sunflower Sendoff.

Bring your sunflowers (stalks, leaves & flowers – no roots please!) on Sunday, September 6th. Our staff will treat the donkeys to your sunflower donations — and you can watch them enjoy this delicious end-of-season snack!

This special day also marks our last open day of 2026 — the perfect time to visit, say hello to the donkeys, and share in the celebration.