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Free Vegan Lunch to Animal Welfare Staff, Volunteers, and General Public

Luncheon hosted by City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn and the Animal Welfare Department and sponsored by Vegan Outreach.

February 21, 2022

City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn and the Animal Welfare Department are inviting all Animal Welfare Department staff, volunteers, and all Albuquerque community members to the first of two Appreciation Luncheons at the Eastside Animal Shelter on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 PM. The free lunch is sponsored by Vegan Outreach to thank the staff and volunteers for their incredible work to keep the shelters up and running during the pandemic. Food will be provided by Root 66 Food Truck.

“I’m pleased to partner with Vegan Outreach and the Animal Welfare Department Director to provide a cruelty-free lunch in honor of the shelter staff and volunteers who have worked so diligently during the COVID pandemic to make sure Albuquerque’s companion animals continued to receive the care and assistance they needed. This luncheon is a small way for us to show these unsung heroes how much they are appreciated” said District 7 City Councilor, Tammy Fiebelkorn.

To honor animals, the free lunch will be vegan and will not use any animal products. The menu will have smothered red chile burritos, drinks, and desserts. This is open to all AWD employees, volunteers, and the general public as there will be plenty to go around!

Animal Welfare Director, Carolyn Ortega said “I would certainly never take anything away from our front-line heroes as they are certainly well worthy of being called heroes, but there are some other heroes in this pandemic that I would like to recognize, the unsung heroes of Albuquerque Animal Welfare who made sacrifices every day to care for our communities homeless pets.  Not only did they face COVID head-on, but they also worked through staff shortages and pet overpopulation.  It is my honor & privilege to be part of such a Team. Thank you for being our rock stars, everyday heroes, and for answering this call of duty for our pet companions. We also recognize our foster families and volunteers.  We could not have done this without all of you.  You threw us a life raft when we needed it most and we are so fortunate that you chose AWD and our pets to give of your time, love and compassion.”

A free luncheon will also be provided at the Westside Animal Shelter on Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. This lunch will also be open to all Animal Welfare staff, volunteers, and members of the community.

"Vegan Outreach is hosting a variety of events that include food giveaways to show people how delicious and fun veganism can be! We are happy to collaborate with AWD and show appreciation to all of its staff, volunteers and fosters!" said Victor Flores with Vegan Outreach.

Learn more about Vegan Outreach here: https://veganoutreach.org.