This profile is part of the "Giving for Animals Stories" Series. Jeroen Willems is a YouTuber at A Happier World. Jeroen took the Giving What We Can pledge to donate a part of his income to animal charities.
What inspired you to start donating to the animal advocacy cause and what motivates you to continue?
A lot of the suffering in our world today takes place on factory farms. Animals have to live through horrible conditions that we would never think of putting our pets through. There are very effective animal charities out there doing amazing work to improve the lives of animals in factory farms.
By avoiding animal products, I don't participate in this horrible industry, but I don't feel like that's enough. I can't sit by and do nothing to help out the chickens, pigs, cows and fish who are very much capable of experiencing pain and pleasure like we do.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking the pledge/earning to give for animals, but is unsure?
Go for it! Remember any amount is better than nothing. You can take a trial pledge like I do and increase your percentage every year. Just as I couldn't go vegan overnight, it's okay to take things step by step. Animal advocacy organizations are underfunded and can do a lot with your money.
