Today is Thanksgiving, a day when we pause to give thanks for all of the wonderful things we’re grateful for

Despite the many challenges that we face as a farm sanctuary operating in a time when many people are not yet ready to extend their circle of compassion to include all animals, we still have an abundance of blessings to be grateful for. The following are a few that we’d like to share with you today.

For starters, we’re thankful for the wonderful Island community of Chemainus and beyond which just 3 years ago warmly welcomed us to our new home (after our monumental move from Alberta) and made it clear that our presence was not only welcome here, but much-needed and greatly supported.

Second, we’re thankful for the beautiful weather at our Island paradise home which makes running a farm Sanctuary considerably less challenging than in the harsh climate of our previous Southern Alberta home. Our animals enjoy a much better quality of life which directly affects their physical as well as mental well-being, and that in itself is priceless!

Third, we’re thankful for the many animal advocate warriors out there who fight tirelessly on their own time and in their own ways to create positive change for the animals. Your efforts are deeply appreciated and you are all making a difference!

Fourth, we’re thankful for all of our amazing volunteers who help out the Sanctuary in countless different ways to make it possible for RASTA to not only provide an exceptional home to so many beautiful animals, but also to continually advocate on their behalf. Without the love and support of our many wonderful volunteers RASTA simply wouldn’t be able to operate.

Fifth, we’re thankful for the countless new innovative businesses which are not built on the backs of animals and are showing the world that animal exploitation is an antiquated model that no longer has a place in civilized society.

Sixth, we’re thankful for all of the beautiful and amazing animals in our Sanctuary and beyond who have helped to open people’s hearts and minds to embrace a more compassionate way of life. They are the true teachers, we are just their students.

Seventh, we’re thankful for the many farm animal rescues and sanctuaries throughout Alberta, BC, and beyond that have been born from RASTA’s inspiration. For those who don’t know RASTA’s story, we were the first official farm Sanctuary in Alberta and the prairie provinces almost 20 years ago and proudly pioneered the Sanctuary movement which today has spread throughout Western Canada!

Eighth, we’re thankful for the countless people who have summoned the courage to change their ways and adopt a more conscious and compassionate way of living despite society’s pressure to conform. You are helping to raise the consciousness of our planet and the world is a better place because of your efforts.

Next, we’re thankful for the fact that the world on a whole is evolving and humanity is waking up. The fact is that Veganism is the fastest growing social justice movement EVER and it’s unstoppable!

And finally, we’re thankful for YOU – all of our wonderful supporters who make it possible for the RASTA Sanctuary to continue its mission of rescuing and advocating for animals on a daily basis. We’ve been going strong for 17 amazing years now and we look forward to another 17 more!