Help Save Kismet Creek Farm

Hello everyone. My name is Shannon Gwynne and I have been a volunteer with Kismet Creek Farm since August 2019. With our volunteer group of Brei-Anne, Liz, Megan, Sherilyn and along side owner/operator, Karl, we have a very important story to tell you. 

It's come to that point and it breaks our hearts to have to do this, but we need your help to save Kismet Creek Farm. Yes, you heard it - unfortunately.

The reality is, is that we never fully recovered after the pandemic. The endless winters and rising cost of living for everyone has meant that visitor counts have dropped, bookings have slowed, and funds have dried up. Without help, Kismet Creek Farm will have to close by the end of this year.

The cost to keep Kismet Creek Farm alive is approximately $6,000/month. This includes the mortgage on the barn, insurance, leased farm equipment, heating the barn, feed, hay, vet care, supplies for events and more. We have been trying to get by with promoting tours, bookings and advertising - but the weight is getting heavier every day. Funds raised will help keep us going, especially through the winter, so that we are able to offer more bookings, reach more businesses and continue to spread the word about the good we do.

The funds raised will go directly to the business account under Kismet Creek Farm Owner and Operator Karl Schoenrock. This is the account that is used for all expenses related to the farm including the barn mortgage payments, feed, supplies, vet bills and expenses related to the care and well being of the animals. The funds will be used to help cover the cost with raising and saving more livestock. Costs associated to their housing, their hay and bedding, and their ongoing medical costs. It also supports more programming in teaching children about these animals. 

Kismet Creek Farm is home to 27 goats, 9 sheep, 1 goose, 1 llama, 1 alpaca, a donkey family of 4, 2 horses, 9 cows, 6 pigs, 3 turkeys, 1 duck, 6 chickens, 2 guinea pigs and many cats. These farm animals are rescued from various places, some in severe circumstances, some were homeless and some were re-homed. No matter what their story may be, our animals all have one thing in common: they came to us for a loving home. Our animals have bonded over past traumas, personalities, and living together. The reality is if we close, they may not stay together. Some may get lucky if other sanctuaries will step in, others may go to auction and not get a happy ending.

These animals have become our family and friends of many. Just like Elf, who came to us as a lamb who was born on a meat farm, rejected by his mother and would have died if we didn’t take him in. Or Teddy, our sweet older sheep who was found abandoned when a family left her behind. Walk around the property and you’ll be greeted with the adorable and slobbery faces of our cows, like Darby and Van. These two gentle giants (who are brothers and reunited at Kismet Creek Farm) were going to be sent to slaughter if we, along with Rainbow Ranger Station, didn’t step in.

Karl Schoenrock, is the owner and operator of Kismet Creek Farm. He also spent 13 years in the Canadian Armed Forces and is a proud veteran. The farm encompasses a total of eighty acres, including Karl's home, and has been in the Schoenrock family for decades. It has been an operating farm for over a century, and has seen many different incarnations.

“The farm equals family. This farm is about kids, understanding and learning about animals and having the freedom of play. It is about community, it is about neighbours helping neighbours, friends helping friends. I grew up on a farm and in all my travels all over the world, I realized I wanted my son to have the same life I had growing up. The freedom to run and learn while having family around every step of the way. This farm is a community space. Kids will come from the neighbourhood just to help and play. Their parents will send them here on their bikes, because they may not have the opportunity at their home to help and learn what community is about. Once you show people what a safe space this is for animals, you don’t have to push them to come back - they will come back on their own because of how happy the animals are. After just one visit, you are hooked. It’s great to see birthday parties, weddings, and even just families getting together here. Kids have freedom here to explore, where you don’t have to hover over them and they can run and learn on their own. No matter what they do, they can’t do anything wrong - not here. You won’t find a petting farm/sanctuary/educational centre anywhere like this in Canada. We are truly are one of a kind. You won't find your kids craving their electronics here, only fresh air, happy memories and happy lives."

We want to be a space that our children’s children can explore and visit. Where families, friends and animal lovers can come together to learn and have fun.

Please consider supporting us, as the future of Kismet Creek Farm depends on it. While Karl is the owner/operator of Kismet Creek Farm, he also manages his volunteer team who help with the general duties around the farm including tours, cleaning, gift shop cashier and landscaping. 

For more information about us, visit our website at www.kismetcreekfarm.ca

From all of us,

Thank you.