John F. Wegman Fund Invests in Lollypop Farm Humane Education

Fairport, N.Y. (July 9, 2024) – Lollypop Farm announced today a $5,000 grant investment from the John F. Wegman Fund of the Rochester Area Community Foundation to support Lollypop Farm Humane Education Department’s collaboration with Rochester City School District’s Charles T. Lunsford School #19.

During the 2023-2024 school year, Lollypop Farm Humane Education team members brought fun and learning to Charles T. Lunsford School #19 students. They read stories from the Red Rover Reader series to learn empathy and compassion for all living beings. Lollypop Farm educators taught Humane Education curriculums emphasizing ways to care for animals through art projects. A volunteer staff member also brought her therapy dogs to help the kids understand dog body language. Finally, they visit Lollypop Farm for a class field trip to see animals up close.

“This kind of programming is key to developing empathy in young students,” states Kim Ferris-Church, Director of Humane Education at Lollypop Farm.” If we teach empathy and compassion to children at an early age, we can help them have greater empathy for animals and people later in life.”
Last year, Lollypop Farm’s Humane Education Program provided valuable influence and learning for over 2,000 adults and students. Early intervention and teaching compassion for all living beings decrease violence in our communities for future generations. Programs include Pet First Aid & CPR, community service programs, summer camp, scouting programs, pet care classes, and more.

For more information about Lollypop Farm’s Humane Education Department, visit www.lollypop.org/programs.

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About Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester
Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With a main campus in Fairport, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org.

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Media Contact:
Nikkie Wargo-Catallo
(585) 313-2351
email