THUNDER BAY – Goat yoga was held at Townline Equestrian Centre on Sunday in support of Thunderbird Wildlife Rescue.
Julie Grgurich, owner of Townline Equestrian Centre, said they open up their centre and donate half the proceeds to a charity they are working with.
“We started this idea during COVID when we saw a lot of people that were struggling with mental health and needed something to connect with.
“And after watching a bunch of videos on goat yoga, we knew that it would be perfect to have one here. We have the indoor centre so we can have it rain, shine, winter, summer – doesn't matter,” she said.
Grgurich said people get a chance to connect with animals for an hour or two.
“We have so many people that say this is exactly what I needed today.”
Grgurich continues to be amazed by the support she receives from the community. Approximately 80 people signed up and attended the goat yoga fundraiser.
Thunderbird Wildlife Rescue will walk away with close to $1,000, Grgurich said.
“We're just so grateful that everybody supports these kinds of charities. It's Thunder Bay that is such a great community."
Before Grgurich and her husband retired, Thunderbird was so good to them, she said.
“Now it's our turn to give back and help the charities and the people who are working so hard and taking so much money out of their own pockets.
“I feel like we've all come together collectively to make this all happen,” she said.
Jennifer Salo, authorized wildlife custodian for Thunderbird Wildlife Rescue, said they are trying to fill the need for wildlife rescue here in the North because there is no other wildlife rescue.
“There's no help for anybody. You know, there's no help for the deer that got hit yesterday on the road or any of these creatures.
“We're trying to be a source of information for people. A source of help, for injured and orphaned wildlife,” she said.
Salo thanked the community for the support she and Thunderbird Wildlife Rescue have received.
“We're completely donation run. We don't get any sort of funding whatsoever and events like this really help keep us going,” she said.
If orphaned or injured wildlife are found, Salo encourages people to call her at immediately at (807) 355-2345.
On CanadaHelps, Thunderbird Wildlife Rescue has a platform that issues automatic tax receipts.
The next goat yoga event will be held on July 21. For more information, inquiries or to donate email thunderranch@tbaytel.net.
