Visitors from all over the Greater Toronto Area spent the afternoon at Wishing Well Sanctuary on Sunday.
During the 2.5 hour tour, visitors were led around the premises by sanctuary founder, Brenda Bronfman, and introduced to the 50+ animals that call the sanctuary home.
Before the tour began, Bronfman brought the group around a ‘peace pole’ that sits just across from the pig den. The pole is made of copper and is inscribed with the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in various languages including French, Ojibway, Hebrew, English, and Sanskrit. The inscription is even written in braille.
“I want the sanctuary to really be a sanctuary for all,” Bronfman states on the organization’s website.
Among the animals seen on the tour were pigs, cows, sheep, horses, donkeys and goats. At every stop, Bronfman would tell the group each of the animal’s names, and how they ended up at the sanctuary.
Guests were able to get up close and personal with the animals, petting them, feeding them and taking their photographs.
All of the animals that live on the farm are either rescued or have been surrendered to the sanctuary.
Once the tour was over, visitors mingled and enjoyed a vegan burger while enjoying the picturesque grounds. There was also a table of swag and souvenirs available for purchase, with money raised going toward the animals.
The sanctuary is in its 8th year of operation and hosts a number of wellness events and programs throughout the year, designed to promote empathy and integrity.
Wishing Well Sanctuary is a charitable organization and relies heavily on the support of volunteers and donations. Stores like Sobey’s in Bradford will often donate their old produce to help feed the animals.
Bronfman says they are grateful for any donations, whether through volunteer opportunities or financial contributions. There are various ways to make a donation to the organization, including sponsoring an animal or donating much-needed farm supplies.
Wishing Well Sanctuary hosts guided tours at 12:30 p.m. on the second Sunday and last Saturday of every month, from March until November.
To learn more about the sanctuary or to book a tour, visit their website at http://www.wishingwellsanctuary.org/.
