The Kindness Collective’s Win-Win

I’m super-excited to share a new non-profit organization with you, The Kindness Collective. The organization works at the intersection of human and animal welfare, seeking to improve the lives of all creatures through programs encouraging plant-based diets and other acts of compassion.

I love this effort on a few different levels. First, I’m always enthusiastic about what I call “win-win” projects, where humans and nonhumans benefit. Second, the Collective’s first project involves fundraising for shelters helping domestic violence victims, so that their animals can find a safe haven with them as well. I’ve previously written about the need to include animals in domestic violence protection orders for their own sake and also because, when protection isn’t extended to a person’s animals, she often won’t leave an abusive situation. Third, this non-profit is the baby of a fabulous lady and friend, Amber McDonald. I met Amber when I was working in D.C. for Compassion Over Killing and we went down to City Hall to celebrate its commitment to Meatless Mondays. Good times!

Last week, The Kindness Collective celebrated its launch at The Montserrat House, an art gallery and experimental performance space in D.C., with an acoustic concert and book signing by musician Moby. More than 100 attendees enjoyed vegan foods from Elizabeth’s Gone Raw, as well as drinks from Vegan Vine wines and Chocolate City Beer. Swag bags were provided by Relan, made from recycled billboards (I have one of their totes myself!); goodies inside included cruelty-free items from Herbivore Clothing Company, au naturale make-up line, and Cavi-Art vegan caviar.

Although I couldn’t make the soiree in D.C., I was there in spirit! I’m looking forward to watching this organization grow and being a part of it whenever the opportunities arise.

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