The year was 1972. The location: the outer limits of the school yard. Right where the demarcation line for grade five play met that of grade four, and it was here a deal went down that would be whispered about for many a year.

Around 4.40 pm on January 11th, 2023, hope met the reality of our promise, as the last Silkie rooster was removed from the tiny wire prison that had been his home for heaven knows how long.

As busy hands and cheery hearts reach for the calendar on the wall, ready to swap it out for the one that shall help navigate us through 2023, we are reminded a new dawn has come.

Looking into the mirror just now, I touched my nose and cursed its form – a bugbear I have inherited from my dad. The nose, that is, and not the cursing.

“I would give back every joyous moment”, I soulfully said, my eyes locked onto those of the stranger I had struck up a conversation with.

As a wee tot, I can still remember vividly my mum whispering the words “be kind” into my ear as my hand stretched out to pet our family cat, Tiny.

How a memorable childhood moment taught Founder and Director Pam Ahern a valuable lesson that someone is always watching.

When a young cow was found in a critical condition, her rescuers thought that it was going to take a miracle to help her walk again – and as it turns out, miracles can happen.

What we do see varies from person to person based on experiences, beliefs, values, education, circumstance, culture, physical abilities, prejudices and more. You see, nothing is as it seems. To see with a clear heart and open mind is indeed the vanguard of our most noble self.

A speech by Edgar’s Mission Founder and Director Pam Ahern. Dedicated to Tommy and all animals who will never know kindness.