Community News

Vegangelist Lisa McDonald makes disaster aid trip

Lisa McDonald

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 28, 2020

Lisa McDonald, co-owner of Sanctuary Brewing Co., heads to Puerto Rico this week to aid an organization called Casa Vegana de la Comunidad with food distribution, animal rescue, trauma support and construction efforts in the aftermath of heavy earthquake damage.

“I’ve been to Puerto Rico several times, and my heart broke when I heard about the devastation occurring there," said McDonald, who left a job as a corporate consultant to start the downtown brewery that doubles as a community event center, music venue and vegan cafe. "It’s such a beautiful place in the world, and to be hit with nearly 1,000 earthquakes so far this year, I just knew I wanted to do anything I could to help.”

McDonald will be joined by Calen Otto, a travel blogger who recently traveled to Rwanda and Uganda for on the ground humanitarian efforts. They will be in Puerto Rico through the end of the month, and the endeavor is being completely funded by donations to her non-profit, Kindness Empire (kindnessempire.com). Donations can be made via PayPal using donate@kindnessempire.com

Kindness Empire is a non-profit organization committed to enriching the lives of both humans and animals through education, kindness, and philanthropy. It is the parent non-profit to Sweet Bear Rescue Farm, an animal sanctuary on McDonald's farm in Flat Rock with 45 current residents, most rescued from severe abuse and neglect. Kindness Empire also hosts the monthly Help4Hendo event, where people can get free haircuts, clothing, toiletries and job and medical advice. For more information, contact McDonald at info@kindnessempire.com