|
Light the Path
As part of a worldwide event, ARC volunteers came together for a candlelight vigil on July 25 with a promise that we will continue to expose the violence against animals and light the path to a better world, a path towards animal liberation. The vigil was in memory of the 9,024,632 birds who have died in the avian flu outbreak in Minnesota and was held outside Chick-fil-A, a business that profits from the exploitation of these animals. Photos were then uploaded, using #lightthepath. Thank you to everyone who shared their Saturday night in memory of the birds.
| |
|  |
Fledgling Chicken Run Rescue Fosters |
|
ARC Supporters have a Warm Spot in their Hearts for the Chickens
Judging by the response to our last newsletter ARC supporters do indeed have a warm spot in their hearts for the chickens.
"The wonderful people who have stepped forward to help has been nothing short of inspiring." said Mary Britton Clouse, who founded CRR with her husband Bert. With a 30-year history as activists, they know the vital importance of cooperation between organizations who support animal rights.
"The backyard chicken fad has created an urgent need for temporary shelter and permanent homes for so many birds and CRR is the only rescue organization there for them. The number of birds sheltered at CRR and in foster homes is at an all-time high."
This past year has been a perfect storm of challenges for CRR. Start with people whose only interest in the birds is getting the eggs that come out of them, regardless of the fact that reproductive disease kills the majority of domestic hens within a few years. Add to that the abandonment of unwanted males, half the chicks bred, who are routinely dumped at shelters, on craigslist, and in metro area parks. Then the Animal Humane Society abruptly stopped providing emergency shelter to chickens last February, leaving CRR with no other organizations to provide temporary care.
The avian flu outbreak forced CRR to adopt a no birds in, no birds out policy to protect its current shelter residents. And the Minneapolis City Council is being pressured to change ordinances to make it easier for residents to keep animals to be used for food and to reverse the ban on slaughter in the city.
Finding people who want to help the birds for who they are and not what can be taken from them has been a challenge that makes ARC and CRR natural partners. CRR only considers homes willing to provide the same level of care as they provide. Mary said "ARC has helped us reach those angels in the Twin Cities. But we still need lots more angels." To learn about providing temporary foster care for chickens, visit the CRR Facebook page to see birds with their foster families and the CRR website for details on getting involved.
| |
|  | Our booth at Pride ready
for festival goers. | |  |
Dallas Rising, ARC Director, was the featured Sunday speaker at Walker Community Church. | |
| | |
|  |
ARC volunteers led by Eddie Moons organized a demonstration against the notorious Carson & Barnes Circus in St. Michael on 7/21. | |
| | |
|
A Big Thank You to Renewal Donors
A big thank you to all the donors who renewed their ARC memberships. If you haven't renewed yet, we ask that you renew your membership today. We need you to take action along with us. We've been busier than ever as the demand for our programs to help animals grows. Check out our 2014 Annual Report for what we accomplished last year thanks to you.
| |
|
Dedications
In memory of my friend Vonnie Thomasberg – Bev Burns
| |
|
|
Want to Help Animals?
Join the ARC In Action meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at 317 W 48th St. in Minneapolis. You don't have to be vegan or vegetarian to attend. We'd like to get to know you, and the animals need your help. If you can't make a meeting, just fill out our online volunteer form.
| |
|
Petland Protests
Saturday, August 1 and 8, and Sunday, August 23, 1:00-3:00 p.m., 2123 Old Hudson Rd., St. Paul
Speak out against the cruel pet trade. Details at Minnesotans Exposing Petland.
| |
|
All About Family BBQ Competition
Saturday, August 1, 3:00-6:00 p.m., Van Cleve Park, 901 15th Ave. SE, Minneapolis
Help two teams from ARC compete against other (non-vegan) teams and win again this year. If you'd like to be on a team, email chelsea@animalrightscoalition.com.
| |
|
Midtown Farmers Market Outreach
Saturday, August 8, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2225 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
Stop by our booth at the Midtown Farmers Market where we will give out info on how to go vegan along with recipes using the fruits and veggies people purchase at the market.
| |
|
North Vegans - Soul Food & Southern Cooking: Vegan Style
Saturday, August 8, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Parkway United Church of Christ, 3120 Washburn Ave. N, Minneapolis
This free cooking class is limited to the first 15 participants, and preference will be given to North Minneapolis residents. RSVP by emailing chelsea@animalrightscoalition.com
| |
|
Circus Teach-In
Sunday, August 9, noon-2:00 p.m., Augsburg Park Library Meeting Room, 7100 Nicollet Ave., Richfield
We'll go over some of the common arguments heard in favor of animals in circuses so you'll be prepared to speak to folks who don't have the facts. We'll also talk about local efforts to raise awareness around the exotic animal rides at the upcoming Minnesota Renaissance Festival. RSVP at Minnesota Animal Rights Meetup.
| |
| ARC at IndiaFest
Saturday, August 15, 8:00 a.m-6:00 p.m., State Capitol Grounds, St. Paul
IndiaFest is a celebration of the rich culture of India. But traditional Indian diets are being swamped by meat and processed foods and dairy consumption is rising. We will provide samples of plant-based yogurt and milk along with vegan versions of traditional Indian recipes and substitutions for commonly used non-vegan ingredients.
To volunteer, email chelsea@animalrightscoalition.com.
| |
|
