Visitors are welcome to hoof it down to the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge this summer as it continues the work of co-founder Shirley Mainprize who died of cancer in March.

Despite the loss of his wife and co-founder of the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge, Rob Miller is facing forward and continuing her work with a busy season in her memory.

"Shirley was dedicated to the donkeys," he said in a media release. "And her wish was to continue the Refuge legacy of care, education and connection with our visitors."

The refuge will open to the public on May 2 for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. throughout the season before closing on Sept. 7. During the summer, visitors can visit the animal residents of the refuge, which provides a safe, secure and permanent home for more than 100 neglected, abused or unwanted donkeys and mules. 

Honouring Mainprize's legacy, this year will mark the return of special events, the first of which will be Rooster's 50th birthday celebration on Sunday, May 25. Rooster has the distinction of being the oldest donkey at the refuge and will receive a special "cake" of his own while visitors enjoy a different cake and ice cream donated by Safety Mart Foods in Chase. 

The refuge is also raising funds for Donkey Care & Comfort with charity partner Sakura's Hope Foundation matching up to $50,000 in donations, doubling contributions made to the fund. 

"We deeply appreciate the hard work and dedication of everyone at Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge in caring for the animals and educating the public," a Sakura representative said in the release. "We recognize how vital it is to support their ongoing efforts and hope the match inspires donors to contribute, making this fundraiser a success."

The refuge is hoping to raise $120,000 by June 30th, with that amount 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," Miller said. "Including a huge contribution from Trouw Nutrtition/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."

Representatives from Trouw will also be in attendance at Hay Day, the other special event being hosted by the refuge on Aug. 17 to raise funds specifically for the Donkey's Buy-a-Bale Fund which supports the cost of 4,300 bales needed to feed them every year. 

The refuge will also be having a special tribute to Mainprize, "her life, her work, and her vision for the future of the Refuge," that will be held on Monday, July 14. For anyone unable to attend that celebration, there will also be a tea and coffee social on Sunday, July 20.

More information on the refuge and its events can be found at .