What is Sanctuary Day, you ask? A fair question. I didn’t know what it was either, until just a few weeks ago.
Sanctuary Day is a global movement for farm animals with over 140 sanctuaries participating, including many throughout the United States. It was started in 1986 to build a kinder world for animals. According to Farm Sanctuary.com, “Forty years later, that vision has grown into a global community of hundreds of havens.” Even if you can’t, or don’t want to visit a sanctuary, you can still help, and participate.
These sanctuaries are filled with animals rescued from slaughter, able to get another chance at life. Cows, pigs, goats, chickens, turkeys, and many more animals are given the gift of freedom. At these sanctuaries, these animals get to know love, friendship, freedom, safety and kindness. They are given space to roam and explore and to live out their days on this earth in peace and freedom. One of my best experiences was visiting Rowdy Girl Sanctuary in Austin, Texas, and meeting two of my heroes, Renee King-Sonnen and Tommy Sonnen. These two were cattle ranchers, but now they run an animal sanctuary and advocate for animals. If they can change their ways, we can all change our ways!
Here are 5 ways to participate:
- Add your voice to the movement. You could sign the Sanctuary Statement to show your support for sanctuaries and farm animals.
- Make time to connect with farm animals. Visit a sanctuary near you! There are over 140 participating sanctuaries. You can find one near you here. Share a selfie with a farm animal friend using #sanctuary day
- Choose plant-based for at least ONE meal of your day. It’s easy! It’s kind, and better for animals, people, and the planet. And there are tons of interesting and delicious recipes you can find online. Just head to Instagram and type in vegan recipes, or plant-based menu and you’ll get loads of suggestions.
- Help change hearts. Share a favorite rescue story to inspire people to see farm animals in a different way.
- Show your love. Donate to support a sanctuary whose work you care about. There are so many to choose from! Some of my favorites are:
- The original Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY
- Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, Austin, Texas
- Lovin’ Arms Animals Sanctuary, Denver, Colorado (See my visit)
- Ziggy’s Refuge Farms, Troutman, NC
- Friendly Fields Farm, Waynesville, NC
- Off the Plate Sanctuary, Montgomery, Vermont
- Austin Farm Sanctuary, Austin, Texas
I’ll be visiting Friendly Fields Farm in Waynesville or Ziggy’s Refuge Farm in Troutman, NC. To be decided after I speak to both directly. If you live in WNC, or will be visiting then, and want to join me, shoot me an email, or comment in the box below. I’d love to have company!