Voiceless
Oh wow! That was just one of our reactions when contacted by the amazing Voiceless Animal Protection Institute informing us that Furever Farm had been chosen as one of their Animal Protection Heros! Even more amazing was the fact that we were the "People's Choice", voted such by a generous and compassionate community of donors. We were honestly awestruck, humbled and blown away!
Voiceless - The Animal Protection Institute has been around for 15 years and is considered one of the most respected animal law and protection organisations in the industry. To be recognised by such a worthy organisation makes us proud. Although we are certainly not in the business of rescue and education for personal accolades or special recognition we think anyone would be lying if they said that this should not make you feel proud. In a small way it shows that perhaps we are doing something right and doing an ok job of it, going about things as we see the best possible for a rescue like us.
To explain what Voiceless are about, should people not have heard of them, they are the home of animal law and animal protection education. As we too believe, they feel that the youth of today will be tomorrow's change makers. They work to educate and inspire this youth to think critically and make positive change for animals. During their 15 year existence they have worked tirelessly to empower and mainstream the animal protection movement, shine a spotlight on cruel industry practices, advance legal protection for animals, raise public awareness and increase animal protection in science and technology. This selfless and thorough work sees Voiceless as the home of animal law and animal protection education. Their standing within the animal rights and welfare field is exceptional and well earned.
You can see why we were so awestruck having been contacted by Voiceless for this recognition and accolade. We do feel proud and feel it would be disrespectful not to feel so receiving an honour from such a respected institute. We have always said that rescue is a community. We here at Furever Farm live rescue each and every day. But we have volunteers help us, visitors show interest in us, donors, sponsors, public and Government community help. All this, we feel, is what really makes rescue a reality. We say that this award goes out to the community, to each and every person directly or indirectly involved with Furever Farm in some way shape or form. There are so many when you think about it so we say this collectively. We mentioned this on the phone when contacted by Lindsay from Voiceless (after our initial shock!). We were quick to say that we are just two everyday people trying to help animals and while we put our everyday heart and soul into that we will recognise the Furever Farm Community that is around us.
We initially put this story up on our Facebook and Instagram sites. Almost immediately we received well wishes and congratulations from followers and supporters. We, Darren & Hayley, would like to thank everyone for their kind congratulations......but remind all that you fit in here as well. Support simply via following and commenting is so undervalued. Sometimes people need reassurance from the outside or pick me ups in times of stress or pain. There are times when simply a comment expressing love for an animal will brighten an otherwise tired day. It aids and helps you go on, find that extra second life and confirm the importance of what you're doing. We so aim to save, rescue, rehabilitate and allow life to as many animals as we can. We also wish to educate as many as we can on these animals in general, why they need our help and try to get people to realise that these sentient beings are not food. Sometimes in amongst that and the running of the rescue farm we might need reassurance that we're not in this alone. So thank you again to our Furever Farm Community - this is as much for you.
Finally thank you to Voiceless and their People's Choice panel. Your recognition of sanctuaries and individuals out in the field trying to help animals and educate is so important. It comes from a reputable organisation and says to so many that you see them, you appreciate them and you respect what they do. It shines a light on rescues need and importance allowing everyday people to hear and learn about an organisation they otherwise would not have. It shows that there are avenues out there for people to help and for people to go to if need be. Exposure is not a bad thing nor is it ego based but rather an awakening to many that places like Furever Farm and your other worthy winners exist. From an animal rescue and rehabilitation perspective, to a simple feel good place to visit, to the very important education of young and old, we thank you for championing such a cause.
Darren, Hayley & all the Furever Farm team.