Why Pigs Need Our Help

The vast majority of pigs raised for food are sadly kept in harrowing conditions in factory farms. These conditions include gestation crates and farrowing crates - spaces so small that pigs cannot even turn around and resort to obsessively biting on the bars of their cage. Pigs on smaller farms endure lack of proper medical care and death at just a fraction of their lifespans. These animals are intentionally hidden from our view at all stages of their lives.

In North Carolina alone there are over 8 million pigs being raised for food. While you can live here your whole life and never see one of these sensitive beings, the impacts of this "farming" industry are vast. From the environmental toll on our waterways from excessive pig waste, to the health issues that people living in eastern NC endure, this is truly an issue that affects us all. 

What We Will Do for Pigs

At the Refuge we recognize that pigs are smart, feeling individuals who deserve a long life full of happiness and safety. The Pig Project aims to provide dozens of future rescued animals with a true piggy paradise. This ambitious task has the goal of providing the following to rescued pigs:

• 15 acres of woodlands to roam
• 4 custom-built pig houses following the principles of Animal-Centered Design
• Swimming holes to cool down in
• Daily enrichment including foraging for planted vegetables
• A special feeding station, quarantine, and clinic for aging and ill pigs

In addition to providing pigs with a refuge from our cruel world, we will also create a robust educational program that exposes members of the public to the truths about these incredible animals. Through regular tours, kids programs and partnerships with local universities, we will provide compassionate education that strives to increase people's respect, understanding and wonder for pigs.

Phase 1: Laying the Foundations for Piggy Paradise

In this first phase we will be building the following critical infrastructure:

• Access Roads - leading to future pig houses, feeding areas, and medical buildings
• Well & Water - centrally located in the pig habitat for both drinking water and for filling pig wallows
• Electricity - to power lights, fans, heaters and outlets

The total amount needed for Phase 1 is $125,000, so this fundraiser is the first in a series of funding efforts to get us to our total goal. Phase 2 will finalize the pig habitat with the construction of pig houses, internal fencing, quarantine, clinic and a food storage & feeding area. But first we need your help to complete Phase 1 in order to get our pig project going! Your donation will set the stage for the Refuge make a significant impact in the lives of pigs living in North Carolina and beyond. 

Pig Project Perks!

As a small way to thank you for being a part of The Pig Project, you have the option to select from a variety of perks and rewards offered at different levels of giving. With your help we can truly make a difference in the lives of dozens of rescued pigs. Thank you for your generous contribution towards making our world a more compassionate place for all living creatures. In addition to donating, we ask that you please share our project to help us ensure success.

$10 - Pig Pal

For a donation of $10 you will receive a thank you email featuring photos of the beautiful land that the future pig habitat will occupy! You will also receive exclusive insider email updates on our progress towards building a piggy paradise!

$25 - Pig Friend

Everyone who donates $25 will be sent a set of 3 postcards featuring piggies the Refuge has taken in and re-homed over the past 12 years of our rescue work. You will also receive the $10 reward.

$50 - Pig Partner

For a donation of $50, we'll send you a Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge stainless steel water bottle, along with both the $10 and $25 rewards.

$100 - Pig Helper

Supporters who pledge $100 will receive a copy of the award-winning documentary The Last Pig, which follows the journey of a pig farmer as he transitions to vegetable farming. You will also receive the perks at the $10, $25 and $50 levels.

$250 - Pig Protector

With a gift of $250, you have the opportunity to place a name or short phrase on one the distance markers that will be installed along the new roads. In the future, these markers will serve as distance signs for 5k races at the sanctuary! In addition you will receive the rewards at the $10, $25, $50 and $100 levels.

$500 - Pig Rescuer

For a donation of $500 you will receive a private tour at the Chapel Hill pig sanctuary, Jenna & Friends! Founder Anna O'Neal will take you on a walk to meet the adorable residents who live there. You will learn their endearing stories of rescue and get the chance to offer some special snacks to the residents. In addition you will receive all of the perks at the lower levels.

$1000 - Pig Hero

When you contribute $1,000, you will be able to choose a name or short phrase to be displayed on our large pig-shaped metal plaques. These plaques will be prominently displayed along our tour route for all to see. In addition you will receive all of the perks at the lower levels.

$5000 - Pick a Pig Name!

With a donation of $5,000 you will receive the honor of naming one of our first pig rescues! Our resident names are never repeated, so your named piggy will truly be one of a kind in every way! A complimentary Animal Sponsorship packet with printed photo and their rescue story is included. You will also receive the perks at all of the lower levels.

$10,000 - Private Tour & Vegan Dinner

For your generous donation of $10,000 you can join Refuge founder Lenore Braford and architect Paul Drake for a private tour of the future pig habitat, including a sneak peek at the designs for the future pig houses and the vision behind the project. You will also be treated to a vegan dinner with Lenore & Paul at the Refuge Pavilion, overlooking the rest of our sanctuary. All of the perks at the lower levels are also included.

$20,000 - Pig Champion

With a contribution of $20,000 you will truly be our champion. You will have the unique opportunity to be part of our Pig Planning Team, working alongside Refuge Board & Staff members as we finalize the plans for Phase 2 of The PIG Project. Sit in on meetings, join us for hikes in the future pig habitat, and get the scoop on the most up to date news as we work towards creating a magical home for pigs in need. All of the perks at the lower levels are also included.

Thank You!

THANK YOU for being a part of The Pig Project! If you have questions or would like to reach out to us, please contact our Founder & Executive Director, Lenore Braford, by email at lenore@piedmontrefuge.org or by phone at 919-799-0125.