Rider profile: Michael

"Though I’ve been vegan for approximately 3 years, I became an avid animal rights advocate in August of 2012. Since then, it seems like a new life for me, appreciating the world in new ways and beginning to challenge many things I took for granted. I also consider myself a passionate social justice activist, campaigning as an ally for many other forms of oppression in our societies. I’m currently completing a Master’s degree in Criminology at the University of Guelph, and have been a resident of the city of Guelph for over 6 years now.

I am participating in this event for many reasons. Probably the most important reason though is because it is invaluable for people to learn more about the amazing places, people and animals residing in Ontario. Learning that so much injustices and yet also so many inspiring possibilities can be found close to many of us in Ontario should help enable more to become active in facilitating and supporting radical changes needed for all.

I’ve found that I have most bonded with Zebra, at Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary, because I think she really embodies the quiet dignity and gentle embrace that is so often overlooked by humanity."

Zebra & Mike. 

Thanks, Mike! If you would like to sponsor Mike, please click on "Donate" on the right side of this page.  

Love,
Ride for Rescued Animals

Rider profile: Melissa

"I've been vegetarian for approximately 14 years, and vegan for the past year. I have been actively involved in animal rights issues for as long as I can remember. Even as a child, I was concerned about the treatment of animals and frequently voiced my concerns. 

I completed my Honours B.A. in Psychology and went on to complete a diploma program in Addictions. I currently work as an Addictions Counsellor. In my spare time I enjoy cooking new vegan recipes, cycling, kayaking, yoga, and spending time with my rescued rabbit, Rex.

Melissa and Rex. photo c/o Melissa.

I do my best to spend time volunteering at the various animal sanctuaries in Ontario. I love spending time with animals who are in a safe and loving environment, as it gives me hope that others will also make a connection with these amazing animals.

I hope this bike ride raises awareness about the great work that all the farm sanctuaries are doing, as well as bring attention to the individual animals who are lucky enough to get a second chance at life."

Thanks, Melissa! If you would like to sponsor Melissa, please click on "Donate" on the right side of this page.  

Love,
Ride for Rescued Animals

Rider profile: Becka

"Hi, I'm Becka. I have been vegetarian for a year and a half now and vegan for 6 months. Although I am fairly new to the vegan way of life I am very active when it comes to animal rights activism. I regularly attend protests at slaughter houses and other facilities where animals are exploited and abused. I also volunteer about once a week at Snooters Farm Sanctuary. 

Becka and Norman. photo c/o Becka.

I feel so connected to the animals there, I have a very special connection with Norman the cow and Edgar the pig. Snooters is my happy place, with the amount of animal cruelty I see attending vigils for Guelph Pig Save and other organizations, going to Snooters always reminds me why I go to them and why it is important to help the animals that aren't as lucky as my friends at Snooters and the other sanctuaries. 

Edgar and Becka. photo c/o Becka.

I am currently a third year University of Guelph student studying marketing management, my hope is to graduate and use my knowledge in marketing to help spread the vegan message. I can't think of a better way to spend my life. In my spare time, I like to snowboard, play soccer, and spend time with my rescued rat Leo. I will also be adopting a new addition to the family, Bella, who I will be rescuing from the animal testing and teaching lab she is currently subject to at the University of Guelph.

Bella and Becka. photo c/o Becka.

Leo. photo c/o Becka.

I hope this bike ride will raise awareness about the vegan lifestyle as well as raise awareness and funds for the sanctuaries we are supporting. I also hope that this bike ride will show people that even vegans can be athletes."

Thanks, Becka! If you would like to sponsor Becka's ride, please click on "Donate" on the right side of this page. When you donate, make a note that you would like to sponsor Becka. 

Love,
Ride for Rescued Animals

Sanctuary profile: Snooter's Forever Home

Our first stop on the tour is at Snooter's Forever Home near Zephyr, Ontario. Over 15 years ago, Susan adopted a rescued pig named Valentine. Then, in 2001, Susan and her husband moved to a farm where they now run Snooter's.

Valentine. Photo by Susan Morris.

Snooter's is home to many pigs (pot-bellied and "farm" pigs), 2 steers, sheep, chickens, dogs, cats, peafowl, horses, & donkeys.

Edgar and Becka.

Some of "the ladies", rescued hens.

Susan and the Snooter's team do an amazing job at taking care of their animals! Snooter's is always looking for volunteers on the farm, to help out with maintenance, animals care, and other farm chores. Visit them on Facebook for more updates!

Ashli.

Snooter's will get 25% of what we raise for the Ride for Rescued Animals! Please sponsor us to support this special place.

If you would like to support the Ride for Rescued Animals, please click on "Donate" at the right side of this page. 

Love,
Ride for Rescued Animals

Rider Profiles: Mike M

We want to introduce you all to the people involved in the ride! We will be posting profiles of each of our 5 riders, as well as the 4 sanctuaries we are riding for. 

First up, meet Mike!

"I’ve been vegan for over 3 years. I’m a University of Guelph graduate with a BSc. in Physical Sciences. I’m passionate about animal rights (including humans), and environmental justice (particularly soil and water issues). I enjoy cycling, soccer, cross-country skiing, disc golf, hiking, canoeing, reading, and I love vegan potlucks! 

Visiting and helping out at farm animal sanctuaries and bearing witness to the plight of farmed animals has demonstrated a powerful contrast to me in the ways humans can treat other species. I felt an especially close connection to the young steers at Snooter’s and Stormy the pig at Ruby Ranch. 

Mike and Norman at Snooter's Forever Home.

Stormy and Mike and Ruby Ranch Pig Sanctuary.

I hope that this ride will provide support and bring recognition to the work these sanctuaries do.  I also hope to serve as an example of how following a vegan diet can provide the proper nutrition and energy for a healthy and physically active lifestyle."

Thanks, Mike! If you would like to sponsor Mike's ride, please click on "Donate" on the right side of this page. When you donate, make a note that you would like to sponsor Mike M. 

Love,
Ride for Rescued Animals