The Walk for Farm Animals is a fun, positive way to get involved in supporting Farm Sanctuary and our work to help abused farm animals. Walkers participate for many reasons. Below are just a few of their stories.
Adrianne Prettyman – New York, NY
Teaming up with Farm Sanctuary’s Walk for Farm Animals allows me to give animals a voice. This worthy cause is very close to my heart, and the event gives me motivation to continue challenging the cruel practices of the factory farming industry throughout the entire year. Farm animals are amazing, sentient beings that deserve the same respect and protections extended to our companion animals. Each year more than 10 billion birds, pigs, and cows suffer miserably in the name of the American factory farming industry, and this nonprofit continues to effectively champion the lives of those very creatures. It is elating to know that every dollar I raise supports Farm Sanctuary’s efforts to educate, advocate, and initiate lasting change.
Andrew Pfeiffer – Chicago, IL
I participated in the Walk for Farm Animals for the first time in 2011. It was such an amazing experience to see everyone come together to help raise awareness about factory farming. In 2011, I also had the opportunity to visit Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY. Meeting the animals and being able to connect with them made me even more committed to this organization. There are real issues and lives at stake. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of cruelty involved with factory farming, but the Walk gives you a sense of empowerment. It gives you the feeling that you can and do make a difference. I can’t wait to participate again this year.
Carolyn Mullin – Los Angeles, CA
I’m lucky to have had the pleasure of working at Farm Sanctuary (Orland, CA) for a number of years. Each sanctuary resident is truly a unique and brave individual. They have seen and fallen victim to some of the worst abuses, yet maintain the capacity to love and trust us again. It simply amazes me how resilient, giving, and heroic these animals are. How can you not walk for the pigs who adore their caregivers so much that they make nests of hay for them to sleep in? Or for the staff who are on-the-clock 24 hours to ensure that an ill chicken at the hospital is doing well? Farm Sanctuary needs and deserves every penny raised through the Walk for Farm Animals. That’s why I proudly walk now, just as I first walked for farm animals nearly 10 years ago.
Dylan Powell – Niagara, ON
I walk for Larry. For those who didn’t know Larry, he lived 19 long and loving years at Farm Sanctuary’s Watkins Glen, NY shelter. Discarded by the agriculture industry as a calf, Farm Sanctuary staff stepped in and provided this 3,000-pound gentle giant a space to play, grow, and love. Larry has since passed away, but there are countless more like Larry out there who only need a chance. Farm Sanctuary — with the help of its supporters and walkers — provides the environment, care, and advocacy necessary to offer that chance. I urge every animal advocate to join walkers in their cities and help fund this vital work. Do it for the memory of Larry and for every future Larry.
Deniz Ozel – Miami, FL
My first time walking for farm animals was an eye-opening experience. I felt proud to be a part of Farm Sanctuary, an organization so dedicated and compassionate to the plight of farm animals nationwide. The Walk enabled me to meet and build close relationships with people in my community who also believed that farm animals are sentient beings who deserve to be treated with respect. The atmosphere was incredibly peaceful, and the energy was palpable. The Walk was a way for me to not only raise money but also awareness. As friends and family saw how passionate I was, they too were intrigued and wanted to be a part of it. My first year was amazing, and I will continue to support Farm Sanctuary for years to come.
Rachel Colletta – Phoenix, AZ
I joyfully participate in the Walk for Farm Animals because it is a fun and easy way to speak out on behalf of animals who cannot speak for themselves and to take a stand in support of compassion for all. With a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere, the Walk is also such a great way to meet other like-minded people in your community, as well as spread a message of compassion to the public. Fundraising provides the perfect opportunity to discuss the plight of farm animals with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who may not be aware of the conditions on factory farms. And most importantly, participating in the Walk helps Farm Sanctuary’s critical work to rescue farm animals and provide urgent care and lifelong refuge as well as to educate, advocate, and pass legislative reforms on behalf of these amazing animals. The Walk is a truly fun and rewarding experience that I look forward to every fall!
