Big Love Star Ginnifer Goodwin Urges People Not To Kill Turkeys This Thanksgiving
Oct. 15 2009, Published 9:49 a.m. ET
Thanksgiving may be weeks away, but Ginnifer Goodwin thinks it’s time to talk turkey. The star of HBO’s Big Love is urging the public to skip the savory poultry this holiday season and adopt a turkey instead.
Goodwin - who went vegan last year - has teamed up with Farm Sanctuary to launch the animal protection organization’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project, which is designed to rescue commercially-raised birds from ending up on the dinner table.
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“After spending time with the rescued turkeys at Farm Sanctuary’s shelter and seeing how similar they are to my furry companion animals at home, I knew I needed to do everything in my power to protect these friendly and curious birds from the daily pain and suffering they endure on factory farms,” says Goodwin.
The organization has rescued more than 1,000 turkeys since 1986 by giving people the opportunity to adopt a bird, who will live at one of Farm Sanctuary’s two shelters in New York and California. For a one-time donation of $25, the turkey sponsors receive a special certificate with a color photo of their rescued bird and fun details about their new friend.
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With than 45 million turkeys slaughtered each year for Thanksgiving, Goodwin wants people to consider what they’re eating for the holidays.
“With so many delicious, cruelty-free Thanksgiving dishes available, there is no reason why any living being should be treated like an unfeeling commodity,” says Goodwin. “I encourage everyone to start a new, compassionate Thanksgiving tradition this year and Adopt-A-Turkey, rather than eat one.”