Some pig: White Rock, Semiahmoo Rotary clubs visit sanctuary, meet Wilbur<\/p>\n
Published 1:30 pm Friday, March 13, 2026<\/p>\n
He was a scared, overweight, blind pig in need of a home.<\/p>\n
At a recent visit to Kindred Community Farm Sanctuary in Aldergrove, the White Rock and Semiahmoo Rotary clubs learned about Wilbur, a blind Vietnamese pot-bellied pig who was rehomed to the sanctuary after his former owner was incarcerated.<\/p>\n
Both clubs visited the farm March 10 to learn about Wilbur and all the rescue animals at Kindred, whose story of rescue is used to help at-risk youth learn empathy by learning how to care for the animals and do some farm-type activities, Rotary member Winston Conyers shared in an email and Facebook post.<\/p>\n
White Rock Rotary had previously donated funds to build a fence at the farm animal sanctuary, and a local group \u2014 the Men\u2019s Shed \u2014 installed it, Conyers noted, and added that Semiahmoo Club plans to supply and build a fence around the newly built children\u2019s barn.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe recent visit from the White Rock and Semiahmoo Rotary clubs meant a lot to us,\u201d volunteer Chandra Vitomir said. \u201cWhite Rock Rotary has already sponsored a fence panel that helped us begin installing permanent fencing on the property. This is something we have only been able to invest in since purchasing our own land.\u201d<\/p>\n
After visiting the farm, the Semiahmoo Rotary Club shared that they would like to sponsor the installation of permanent fencing around the new children\u2019s barn, Vitomir confirmed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe barn was completed in October 2025. This fencing project is a big step for us \u2026 we are grateful to have community organizations like Rotary supporting the farm and the work we do here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Kindred, formerly Sali, exists because of community support, Vitomir noted, as donations keep the farm operating each day.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey allow us to care for rescued animals, maintain safe spaces with proper fencing and facilities, and support programs that help children and youth connect with animals and nature.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kindred Community Farm Sanctuary currently has more than 60 volunteers who help care for the rescued animals across 14 shifts each week, and financial gifts make the work sustainable, she continued, as donations help cover veterinary care, feed, medicine, fencing, and the staff who support the sanctuary\u2019s youth programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany young people struggle with mental health challenges. The animals here carry their own stories of loss or hardship. When youth spend time with them, they see resilience and belonging in a very real way,\u201d Vitomir explained, adding that Wilbur has \u201ccertainly captured a lot of hearts here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilbur came to the farm animal sanctuary after his former guardian was incarcerated, Kindred founder and director Keryn Denroche shared in a blog post.<\/p>\n
After hearing about Wilbur, they travelled to meet the scared, blind pig who had just lost his person.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor most pet pigs, that is where their story ends at slaughter. This is the sad state we are in with pet pigs \u2014 they are super cute when babies and then when they grow and grow \u2014 which seems to take people by surprise \u2014 they are no longer fit to be a house pet and are discarded,\u201d Denroche said in the post. \u201cThe idea of rescuing another animal in need was exciting, but before we could do it we had to ensure we had all the resources needed to give the pig a good home and the best care. With that done, Jason (the barn manager) and I went to meet Wilbur, and it was love at first sight. Kindred would become Wilbur\u2019s forever home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now the porker, whose favourite food is zucchini, happily lives at the sanctuary with all of the other animals that have been rescued.<\/p>\n
People who want to help can donate through their website, kindredfarm.ca<\/a>, join their monthly Coffee Club <\/a>program<\/a>, send an e-transfer, or make a gift by mail. Some donors also choose to transfer stocks or securities as part of their tax planning, Vitomir said.<\/p>\n Their current campaign is to find sponsors for 13 more of their animals, as they have 41 total animals and 28 have sponsors.<\/p>\n