The many amusing faces of the alpaca are being featured in a 2025 calendar that is now available, with proceeds from a portion of its sales supporting Peterborough’s YES Shelter for Youth and Families.
Katie Maitland of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience in Douro-Dummer has created the calendar, with each month of the year featuring a different alpaca from her farm.
“This one has been on my mind for the last few years as a fun project — 12 alpacas, 12 months — it just made sense,” Maitland told kawarthaNOW.
“They are so photogenic, and I like the idea of offering something both useful and beautiful … something to make people smile every day when they see those funny faces. I love seeing the joy people have visiting the alpacas and this way they can have some of that in their home.”
Wanderlight Alpaca Experience connects visitors with quality time with an alpaca, which is described as a curious and wondrous animal.
At the farm, small, private tours are offered. A visitor is paired with an alpaca for a trek through the rolling hills of the property, which is located at 874 Lynchs Rock Rd.
Maitland shared why she chose YES as the beneficiary of her inaugural fundraising calendar.
“I am so blessed to have a wonderful home and family. It is overwhelming sometimes how much need there is in our community and in the world,” she said.
“Supporting the YES shelter over the years has felt like a way to make a positive impact. I really admire the work that they do and the programs they run.”
In 2021, a group of youth from YES visited Wanderlight to take the alpacas for a walk and since then, Maitland has included a YES donation (money or items) to the entry fee for several of her events.
YES works to reduce and prevent homelessness by providing shelter, education, and transitional supports for youth and families in Peterborough city and county.
Its vision statement is to support youth and families in the community to lead full and positive lives.
Maitland has high hopes for the impact of the calendar.
“The best thing would be if I sold 500-plus calendars, raised $5,000 for YES, raised awareness about the needs of the YES clients, brought the magic of the Wanderlight alpacas into homes everywhere, and started an annual tradition that will grow over the years.”
The calendars are $21 each and Maitland will be donating $10 from the sale of each calendar to YES.
In addition to the photo of the Wanderlight alpaca being featured, the locally printed 12-month calendar includes a writing prompt to encourage self-love and reflection, Maitland noted.
Calendars can be picked up in Peterborough, at Wanderlight, or shipped within Canada.
For more information or to order a calendar, visit wanderlightalpaca.ca.
