Dear John

As Christmas draws closer, you're probably starting to think about what you're going to be cooking for Christmas dinner, even though the celebrations may be different this year. 

Christmas is often presented as the season of peace and goodwill to all, and we believe that should include all animals. In the UK, millions of turkeys are slaughtered for Christmas dinners every year. Many of these animals will have spent their short lives on a factory farm where they cannot carry out even their most basic instincts. There is rarely any natural sunlight or grass and premature death and disease is commonplace. 

And regardless of whether these animals are farmed on factory farms or smaller “high-welfare” farms, they always end up facing terrifying deaths at the slaughterhouse.

Each of these animals is an individual. Our Their Christmas Wish campaign highlights the stories of rescued turkeys to show how amazing these creatures are. Turkeys like Bramble Bill who lives at The Retreat Animal Rescue and William who lives at Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary are just two turkeys who are lucky enough to spend the rest of their lives free from harm and safe from slaughter. 

Show compassion for all animals this festive season and opt for a vegan Christmas dinner. 

There is an incredible number of plant-based options available in supermarkets and from independent retailers, as well as a plethora of recipes online! In fact, by signing up to support Their Christmas Wish you will receive a free copy of Animal Aid’s Have a Very Vegan Christmas! booklet, which is full of festive recipes, Christmas shopping tips, animal-friendly Christmas treats, and more!

If you're already vegan, you are of course welcome to sign up to recieve a copy of the booklet and use the recipes or share with your friends and family. 

Thank you for showing compassion towards animals, and I hope that whatever you are doing this festive season, you have a joyous time. 

Best wishes,

Tod Bradbury
Campaign Manager – Vegan Outreach