Centre Dufferin’s Co-op corner

Student: Kiera Wipp

Placement: Silver Willow Farms

This week Kiera Wipp from Centre Dufferin District High School shares a little bit about their experience and how Silver Willow Farm Rescue is contributing to our community's future.

Silver Willow Farm Rescue has been a running non-for profit since 1996. The Farm was established in Mansfield and is the only sanctioned non-specific species Foster Farm in Ontario. The owner, Laura McArthur, has always had a passion for animals. She wanted to open a sanctuary for the neglected, sick, and unwanted so they had a place to go and to thrive. Silver Willow is a rescue farm with over 25 species of farm animals, wonderful staff of volunteers, and a beautiful 100 acres
of serenity.

I have the honour of being a Volunteer on the property. I get to take care of animals whether that be feeding, watering, cleaning, or monitoring them. My job is to provide a safe and clean environment for the animals. Delivering calves, horse shows, and therapeutic remedies are all things I have yet to try; but hope to in the future. We use hoses, pitchforks, shovels, and more as they allow for a smoother and more effective job when working. On the farm you are shown proper care, safety, tips, and general training within different species and tasks so that everyone can feel comfortable.

Volunteering has also shown me that there are more jobs out there when it comes to farm related careers. Careers like Agricultural Science, Industrial Farming, Veterinary Services, and even being an Entrepreneur and owning your own farm are just some of the possibilities it can open you up to. There is nothing quite like giving back to the earth and that is possible at Silver Willow. With hard work, responsibility, and a love for animals anyone can do it.

Silver Willow Rescue Farm welcomes everyone to help assist with the animals. They're always looking for help, and their door is always open to animals in need. It is also open to donations, whether that be animals, money, food, supplies, and more. Visit Silver Willow Rescue Farm today or find them at silverwillowfarmrescue.com.