On a warm September afternoon in California, the fields of Freedom Farms were alive with compassion, connection, and purpose. The occasion was a special fundraiser hosted by In Defense of Animals, the non-profit organization that runs the sanctuary, and the featured guest was none other than Miyoko Schinner — celebrated vegan entrepreneur, author, and activist. On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Schinner delivered a heartfelt and thought-provoking speech that reminded everyone present why sanctuaries matter — not just for the animals who live there, but for every human who steps foot on their soil.
Freedom Farms, located on the historic estate once home to Hollywood legends Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher, became the perfect setting for Schinner’s message of harmony and renewal. The event, which also doubled as a book signing for her cookbook The Vegan Creamery, brought together an inspiring mix of vegan advocates, animal lovers, and members of the local community — all united by a shared commitment to compassion and sustainability.
You can explore more about animal rescue, sanctuary efforts, and community-based initiatives at Sustainable Action Now’s Rescue Network.
Sanctuaries as Shared Spaces of Peace
Schinner began her address with a message that resonated deeply: a true sanctuary is not just a refuge for animals — it’s a place of peace, healing, and connection for people as well.
She described sanctuaries as living ecosystems of empathy, where rescued animals and humans find mutual healing. “When people walk into a sanctuary, they leave behind the noise of the world,” Schinner said. “They come into a space where life is celebrated, where peace is nurtured, and where love is unconditional.”
Her words echoed through the audience — a crowd that understood the deeper truth of her message: sanctuaries are bridges between species, and their success relies as much on community engagement as on animal rescue itself.
Nurturing Connection and Emotional Renewal
A recurring theme of Schinner’s talk was nurturing — not just the physical care sanctuaries provide to animals, but the emotional nourishment they offer to everyone who visits.
In a world often dominated by stress and division, Schinner emphasized that the peaceful coexistence experienced at sanctuaries has the power to restore people’s sense of humanity. Whether through volunteering, educational events, or simply spending time among rescued animals, she encouraged the audience to embrace these experiences as opportunities for reflection and renewal.
Schinner explained that the magic of a sanctuary lies in how it allows people to reconnect with their sense of empathy — a value that’s at the heart of all meaningful activism. “When we nurture that feeling of connection, we open the door to lasting change,” she said.
Building Community Through Compassion
Throughout her career — from pioneering plant-based dairy alternatives to championing ethical food systems — Miyoko Schinner has consistently stressed that community is the foundation of lasting progress. Her recent focus has shifted toward creating inclusive spaces within the vegan movement, where individuals from all walks of life can find belonging and inspiration.
At Freedom Farms, she underscored how sanctuaries can serve as community hubs, hosting events that welcome diverse audiences — from long-time activists to those simply curious about veganism and animal welfare. “The goal,” Schinner explained, “is not just to preach but to invite, to include, and to celebrate.”
Her remarks built upon ideas she’s shared in recent interviews, including a September 2025 conversation where she described her Freedom Farms keynote as being centered on “the importance of creating community as part of our vegan activism.” Similarly, in her October 2025 discussion with Farm Sanctuary, she spoke about how compassion-driven communities are essential to expanding vegan awareness and participation worldwide.
This commitment to inclusivity reflects the same vision behind the Rescue Network — a growing web of sanctuaries, activists, and educators dedicated to uplifting both animals and people. Explore ongoing efforts and inspiring stories through Sustainable Action Now’s Rescue Network.
Empowering Change Through Shared Purpose
Schinner’s closing message was one of empowerment. She urged everyone present to see themselves as part of a broader movement — one where personal transformation fuels collective change.
She spoke about how visiting sanctuaries often awakens something profound in people — a realization that kindness is not weakness, but strength. By connecting with animals who have survived neglect or exploitation, visitors often leave with renewed determination to live more consciously and advocate more effectively.
“Sanctuaries give us hope,” Schinner said. “They remind us that change begins when we open our hearts — not just to animals, but to each other.”
A Day of Food, Friendship, and Vision
The Freedom Farms event was more than just a speech — it was a celebration of ethical living and community. Guests enjoyed locally crafted vegan food, shared stories, and engaged in meaningful conversations about building a sustainable future for all beings.
Earlier in the day, Schinner held a smaller VIP gathering at The Vreamery, her beloved vegan cheese shop, where she signed copies of The Vegan Creamery and connected personally with supporters. The afternoon fundraiser at Freedom Farms brought together animal advocates, chefs, and community leaders in a spirit of unity and purpose — a fitting reflection of Schinner’s vision of what the vegan movement can be when driven by collaboration and compassion.
Continuing the Work Beyond Freedom Farms
Miyoko Schinner’s talk at Freedom Farms was not just a single event — it was part of a broader movement dedicated to nurturing empathy, promoting vegan lifestyles, and strengthening community bonds. Sanctuaries like Freedom Farms are vital pillars in that mission, offering real-world examples of coexistence and compassion in action.
As Schinner’s message reverberated beyond the farm’s fields, it reminded everyone that sustainable change begins with connection — to animals, to nature, and to one another.
To stay involved, learn more about animal rescue initiatives, and discover ways to support sanctuaries and the individuals who keep them thriving, visit the Rescue Network at Sustainable Action Now.
Every act of compassion — every sanctuary visit, donation, or shared story — builds the foundation for a kinder, more sustainable world. And as Miyoko Schinner’s speech reminded all in attendance, that’s the kind of world truly worth fighting for.
