A five-year-old Victoria boy has been reunited with his missing stuffed donkey after the toy’s unexpected journey aboard a BC Ferries vessel captured the hearts of thousands online. Alfie Broadribb was all smiles Wednesday as he held Churro the Burro, a small pink stuffed donkey that was found aboard the Salish Raven after being left behind during one of the family’s regular trips between Victoria and Pender Island. Instead of simply returning the toy through lost and found, BC Ferries crew members decided to give the little donkey a name and share his travels with the public. Over several days, Churro explored the vessel’s bridge, engine room and gift shop, with photos of his travels quickly gaining attention from people hoping the stuffed animal would make his way home. “I didn’t know where he was,” Alfie told CTV News. “I think he was in the gift shop.” The reunion became a special experience for Alfie and his family, who were invited aboard the Salish Raven for a behind-the-scenes tour and a chance to see where Churro spent his unexpected time away from home. “We’re just really grateful,” said Alfie’s mother, Abigail Broadribb. “This is a very special experience for them to have a peek behind the curtain.” The family didn’t realize Churro was missing until someone sent them a news article about the stuffed donkey’s journey. “Right now, it’s fun to have an adorable local news story,” Abigail said. “It’s really fun for the kids and probably for lots of kids to think about this little stuffy having such a time.” Before his time aboard the ferry, the toy was simply known as Donkey. Now, after a journey that brought together a ferry crew and an online community of supporters, Alfie says the name is staying: Churro the Burro. For Alfie, he’s simply Churro. For everyone who followed along, the little pink donkey became a reminder that sometimes the smallest stories create the biggest smiles.
