Earlier this week I tentatively launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a new plastic coop and run for the girls of Effie’s Garden. I wasn’t sure at all about doing it, but I am so very glad that I did!!
To say that I am overwhelmed by the love and support I have received is something of an understatement. In fact, I am quite humbled and rather emotional. To all of those who have helped us, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I have wanted to replace the Big Girls’ old wooden coop for a while but any attempt at saving was thwarted by vet bills, food bills etc. Henderlay is too small for all the girls to sleep together, and I currently have a chickenopolis of coops donated by lovely people, but I wanted all of my girls to sleep together and in safety, first and foremost, but also in the comfort they deserved and for me not to have to worry about red mite. I had heard about crowdfunding but, as my father said, it is just begging online, so was very concerned about asking people for money.
Well shame on me, because in only a few days, we have raised over 80% of the total target with many, many wonderful messages of love and support about how people had been inspired by Effie and her story.
And that, you see, is what has touched me the most. Effie died almost a year ago and her loss is still not any easier to bear. When she died, I found great comfort in the fact that her story had inspired so many wonderful people to rehome ex-battery hens. So many hens are alive today because of Effie – it is a big legacy for the little hen with a broken neck. Effie’s Garden, our microsanctuary, was started because I needed to celebrate and commemorate the life of this very special hen. Because she wasn’t just a hen, she was a survivor of a system that is so cruel and so inhumane that it breaks my heart every day thinking of what all those potential ‘Effies’ are going through. She symbolised all the suffering and abuse that is inflicted on these poor girls, but more importantly she symbolised all the strength of spirit and will to live these girls have; the same strength that made her overcome her emotional and physical demons and enjoy life as a free girl for over three years.
Quite simply, she was everything. She changed the lives of so many hens and she changed our lives too. There will never be another Effie, but her spirit and her story will always live on.
So to those that have helped us I am forever grateful to you and am currently thinking of ways in which we can thank you all properly.
“Saving one hen will not change the world, but it will change the world for that hen.”
Effie would send you all kisses if she could xx
I’m in tears here, your post is moving and lovely and the kindness of humans amazes me sometimes. You have to remember there are kind people out there don’t you. I’m so pleased you can now have a wonderful coop and run for your precious girls. I have an ‘Effie’, her name is Ivy and she’s been with me over 4 years now. I know when she leaves me I too will find the loss unbearable as you have with your special little hen, I treasure every day she is still here making a racket in my garden with her friends xx
Hello Sarah, thank you so much for reading and liking the post. Your Ivy sounds wonderful, such a special girl and I know the sense of dread you have at losing her. Remember every day she has with you as a free girl is a good day. But if you need me when she is ill then I am here xx