Walk for Farm Animals
Annual Event Sponsored by Farm Sanctuary Aims to Put Farm Animal
Issues on the Map
Charlotte, N.C. – September 24, 2009 – This fall, animal lovers in
Charlotte and 65 other cities throughout the U.S. and Canada will lace
up their walking shoes and hit the streets as part of the 2009 Walk
for Farm Animals. Every year, thousands of concerned citizens join
together for this annual event sponsored by Farm Sanctuary, the
nation's leading farm animal protection organization. The Walk is one
of the group's many rescue, education and advocacy efforts to expand
awareness of the severe and unnecessary suffering that billions of
animals raised for food endure on a daily basis.
"We walk to call attention to something most people don't know: that
billions of animals confined and crowded on factory farms live such
unnatural lives that they can't move freely at all," said Farm
Sanctuary National Advocacy Organizer Jasmin Singer. "Calves raised
for veal, pigs used for breeding and hens who lay eggs spend their
entire lives trapped in crates and cages so small they cannot even lie
down comfortably, turn around or fully extend their legs or wings.
These are just a few examples of the outrageous treatment these
animals endure during their short lives. People are understandably and
justifiably appalled when they learn about the abuse that happens for
the sake of profit. Our Walks enable local advocates to educate people
about the food industry's exploitation of living creatures and how
adopting a plant-based diet is the best thing they can do to help
alleviate this suffering."
The 2009 Walk for Farm Animals is sponsored nationally by Boston Baked
Bonz, an animal-friendly company that makes vegan and organic dog
treats and gifts for companion animals and the people who love them.
Last year's record-breaking Walk for Farm Animals raised more than
$231,000 for Farm Sanctuary's lifesaving work from people who pledged
to financially support their friends', family members' and co-workers'
participation in the walk-a-thons. Compassionate corporate sponsors
also gave generously to the cause, and in exchange gained valuable
national exposure for their brands. Of equal importance, Walk
participants brought a powerful message of compassion to 58 cities
with the aid of eye-catching t-shirts, banners and literature.
The Charlotte Walk for Farm Animals is on October 3 at Freedom Park.
Registration is at Noon, and the Walk begins at 12:45 p.m. Those
interested in registering for the 2009 Walk can learn more at
walkforfarmanimals.org. All participants will receive a limited-
edition 2009 Walk t-shirt designed by Herbivore Clothing Company
Founder Josh Hooten, and there are special prizes forwalkers who reach
fundraising milestones.
If you would like to speak with Farm Sanctuary National Advocacy
Organizer Jasmin Singer or the local Walk coordinator, please contact
Michelle King atmking@farmsanctuary.org or 607-583-2225 ext. 254.
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection
organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked
to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry
through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms,
public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and
refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and
Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals,
who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating
visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional
information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling
607-583-2225.
