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Outstanding Activist!
On
an ordinary day in an ordinary restaurant, Pei-Cen Lin was having lunch
with an ordinary friend…one who happened to be vegetarian. As the
story goes, the two friends began to talk about "food animals"
and the misery they endure on factory farms. The friend, who Pei-Cen now
calls her "Guardian Angel," summarized the main points of John
Robbins' Diet for a New America and explained how food choices
affect health, happiness and the future for all living creatures on Earth.
Further inspired by information she found on Farm Sanctuary's website,
Pei-Cen soon made the compassionate switch to a meat-free diet.
Unlike many activists who have had a lifelong appreciation for animals, Pei-Cen's contact with cuddly creatures was limited to neighborhood alley cats. It wasn't until Pei-Cen's younger sister brought home a furry feline from college, that she became aware of their distinct personalities and acute intelligence. Further, an animal program on television incited Pei-Cen to think more critically about society's treatment of animals when it revealed that pigs were one of the top ten smartest animals. If pigs were this bright, she thought, surely other animals have such intellectual capacity.
Determined
to learn even more, Pei-Cen and her "Guardian Angel" hopped
on a charter bus from New York City and made their way to Farm Sanctuary's
2004 Country Hoe Down. Compelling videos like Peaceable Kingdom,
informative speakers and quality time with the shelter residents tugged
at Pei-Cen's heartstrings and inspired her to want to make a difference.
Her first step was to go vegan. The second was to become a monthly sponsor
of a friendly goat named Ben. Last but certainly not least, Pei-Cen became
involved with the efforts of Farm Sanctuary's New York City-based humane
educator, Carol Moon.
Since meeting Carol and dedicating herself to helping farm animals, Pei-Cen has bitten off her fair share of the "Big Apple." She covers so much ground, one never knows where she'll be in a given month. Whether she is leafleting or tabling in places like the Bronx, Little Italy or the Village, one can always guarantee that she's doing her best to give voice to suffering animals. Pei-Cen is such an organized, friendly and "get-it-done" kind of gal, Carol Moon often calls on her to oversee Farm Sanctuary's table at larger events, including EcoFest in Lincoln Center and EarthFair in Grand Central. She also spearheads our Mother's Day No Veal demonstration in the bustling streets of Manhattan, educating countless New Yorkers and tourists on this cruel factory farming practice. With eye-capturing posters and a prominently displayed donation jar, Pei-Cen always works hard to ensure that farmed animals receive the recognition and financial support they desperately need.
Pei-Cen is still going strong and planting seeds of compassion in every possible social scenario. While dining with non-vegetarians may seem unappetizing to some, she considers this a great time to demonstrate to friends that it's easy to find veg-friendly establishments, and to restaurant managers that there is a demand for vegan cuisine. Even across the globe in Taiwan, her friends and family have been positively affected by her advocacy work, as well as that of Farm Sanctuary. Thank you, Pei-Cen, for showing us that one person can change the world.
Together, we ARE making a difference. If you would like to find out more about volunteering your time to educate others about factory farming and vegetarianism, please contact us at activist@farmsanctuary.org, or call 607-583-2225 ext. 229. Click here to find out what YOU can do to help!