While most students spend their spring break passed out in some foreign hotel room (we’re not judging — we’re just sayin’), 11 youngins from North Carolina’s Appalachian State University are celebrating the break we call spring volunteering at Farm Sanctuary — the nation’s leading farm animal shelter and advocacy organization.
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. Oh wait, but it gets richer!
The students have also committed to eating only vegan meals while on the farm that they will learn how to prepare themselves!! 10 points for them!
“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.”
Are you doing something remarkable for your spring break? Chime in and let us know how you’ll spend the time off!
Also make sure to check out Farm Sanctuary’s website and learn about all their hard work!
March 11th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Alternative Spring Break is the way to go. I participated a couple times while at JMU. I was not as animal rights focused at the time, but I did have fun helping some kids out in Philadelphia’s city schools and doing some environmental work at Myakka River State Park in FL. ASB exposed me to nonprofit work and put me on the path to a career that would help others:)