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University Students Forego the Lure of the Tropics to Make a Difference During Spring Break

Students from Appalachian State University and University of Illinois Arrive at Farm Sanctuary for a Volunteer Spring Break

Watkins Glen, NY - March 16, 2006 - From March 12-25, Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal shelter and advocacy organization, will be hosting eight students from Appalachian State University and nine students from the University of Illinois for a volunteer spring break. Every spring break, instead of heading for the beaches, students all over the United States decide to take part in various community service activities geared towards making an impact at the local level.

Appalachian State University students learned about Farm Sanctuary from their trip supervisor, who has been a Farm Sanctuary member for many years and has adopted multiple turkeys from the New York Shelter. University of Illinois students came to Farm Sanctuary from an "Alternative Spring Break" program sponsored by YMCA Student Programs. During their stay, students will be working directly with farm animals, providing daily care and attention needed to over 800 animal residents rescued from various places across the United States.

The students will learn not only about farm animal care, but will also have an orientation the first day to learn about the history of Farm Sanctuary and its ongoing work to end animal cruelty through farm animal rescue, education and advocacy. Students will also learn about and take part in daily vegan cooking (no eggs, dairy or meat), out of respect for the animals they will be caring for at the farm. During their week-long stay, the students will stay on Farm Sanctuary's grounds, which are open to the public from May 1 to October 31.

"This is an extremely exciting opportunity for us, the students and the animals that reside at Farm Sanctuary," said Michelle Waffner, Education Department Manager for Farm Sanctuary. "Hosting student groups dedicated to community work and interested in animal welfare issues allows us to reach out to students throughout the United States. Meeting and working with our resident animals these students will learn about the plight of farm animals and what can be done to help them. We hope these students will share their experiences with others, fostering compassion and concern for farm animal issues."

About Farm Sanctuary
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.