Arion Therapeutic Farm is a
Sanctuary for Animals AND People!
PHOTO: The rustic Farm Café onsitePhoto courtesy of Arion Therapeutic Farm
Late last year, just prior to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I received an email from a woman named Maggie who worked at Arion Therapeutic Farm. She wanted to introduce me to the farm and was wondering how we might be able to collaborate and spread our shared message of a better planet.
She sent me details and photos of a beautiful farm in Kelowna, BC that began as a therapeutic riding facility 9 years ago and in the last 3 years has become a sanctuary for both people and animals that is open to the public. What a fantastic idea!
PHOTO: Volunteer feeding an adorable black pig on the farmPhoto courtesy of Arion Therapeutic Farm
How many of us wish we could just go to a farm and hang out with some sheep, goats, chickens, llamas, pigs, bunnies, an alpaca, a goose and horses? Well now, my friends, you can!
“Arion Therapeutic Farm is a family run initiative”, Maggie says, continuing, “the founders includ[e] a mother and daughter Saundra and Heather Henderson, Heather's husband Chris, her daughter Holly is in charge of small animal care. The farm has a few more part-time employees including myself! As well as 150 volunteers that collectively commit over 600 hours to the farm monthly.”
Each of the animals has been rescued in some form and this farm focuses on the benefits of disconnecting from your city/tech so you can fully immerse yourself in connecting with the outdoors and the animals.
Testimonials:
"The most welcoming people run this therapeutic farm experience/animal sanctuary! You will instantly feel at home. The indoor space is warm, inviting and spacious. I will be back!"- Dillon
"If I could give 10 stars I would. This an amazing place to go, sit with beautiful animals. The staff is so friendly, just being there is amazing. I highly recommend it for everyone."- Bill Broome
PHOTO: Horse gives a kiss to a farm visitorphoto courtesy of Arion Therapeutic Farm
Maggie shared with me her first week in Kelowna and her first experience on the farm and I thought it really gave insight into what your experience might be in such a tranquil & peaceful place.
"During my first week I had an interview at the only 100% vegan restaurant in Kelowna (Naked Cafe) and I mentioned wanting to check out the farm for volunteering as I wasn't sure what it was based on the name, the owner told me to go for the weekend brunch. Arriving at the farm I was immediately at peace in the warm, cozy surroundings, and a group of smiling volunteers cooking our breakfast. Over breakfast my partner and I were talking with one of the founders and realized how well our values aligned with interests in veganism, organic farming, community, wellness and accessibility for people with diverse-abilities. My partner and I saw a huge disconnect with the overall feeling of the farm and its online presence. We went on the farm tour and met the resident animals that call the farm home and heard their back stories."
"Although all the programming and values of the farm are something I find extremely rewarding to work on, I must say one of the best feelings is when the animals that we got later in life start actively approaching to connect with us. A lot of these animals have had pasts in traditional farming and are weary of people, those moments where they realize we have their best interests at heart are absolutely heartwarming."
PHOTO: Spacious vegan B&B accommodations are available on sitePhoto courtest of Arion Therapeutic Farm
PHOTO: A few of the yummy food options available at ArionPhoto courtesy of Arion Therapeutic Farm
The best news is...
Vegan Vacations can help you craft an amazing vegan Kelowna, BC Food, Wine and Animal experience that can include a visit to the Arion Therapeutic Farm and perhaps we’ll time it right where you’ll get an invite to a plant-based community pot-luck in Kelowna, Maggie says they are not to be missed.