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University Students to Spend Spring Break at Farm Sanctuary

Appalachian State University volunteers forego the lure of tropical climates to help rescued animals

Watkins Glen, NY – March 10, 2009 – This week, 11 students from North Carolina’s Appalachian State University are spending their spring break volunteering at Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal shelter and advocacy organization. The group of volunteers is one of many throughout the United States that participate in community service activities every year instead of heading for the beaches.

During their stay, the volunteers will live on the shelter grounds and work directly with farm animals, providing daily care and hands-on attention to about 800 animal residents rescued from neglect and cruelty. Out of respect for the animals they will be caring for at the farm, students will also eat only vegan meals (i.e., no meat, dairy or eggs) that they learn how to prepare for themselves.  

“Working with and learning about animals is a fantastic way for students to spend spring break,” said Michelle Waffner, Education Director for Farm Sanctuary. “Beyond helping rescued animals, volunteers also gain an opportunity to learn new skills, explore alternative perspectives, and put compassion into practice. Their time at the shelter will definitely be a memorable experience they’ll want to share with friends when they return to school.”

Farm Sanctuary has hosted college students during spring break at its shelter in Watkins Glen for the past few years. The first two groups came to the non-profit’s New York shelter in March 2006 from Appalachian State University and the University of Illinois. Additional information on group volunteer opportunities can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org.

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, NY and Orland, CA 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 farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.