All-One Activist: Pam Ahern of Edgar's Mission

Dr. Bronner’s “All-One Activist” series profiles influential activists who are advancing the core causes that Dr. Bronner’s supports through its philanthropy and advocacy.

As part of our ongoing All-One Activist series, we are highlighting the organisations supported through the All-One Australia Initiative. Through this initiative, at a minimum, 1% of sales from participating international markets is donated annually to support local efforts focused on social justice, environmental sustainability, and animal advocacy.

Edgar’s Mission is a not-for-profit sanctuary for rescued farmed animals with a vision for a humane and just world for all.  They believe that every life - regardless of form, function or fate - is worthy of our care. Through education, outreach, advocacy, community enrichment and tours, they encourage people to expand their circle of compassion to include all animals.

Edgar’s Mission has rescued thousands of animals since it began in 2003. Today the sanctuary is home to more than 500 formerly farmed animals at any given time, each with their own unique story.

Dr. Bronner’s has supported Edgar's Mission through the All-One Australia Initiative since 2022. The organisation’s unwavering commitment to animal welfare and education is story of hope and kindness. We had the privilege of interviewing Pam Ahern, Founder of Edgar's Mission, and asked her about the impact the organisation is striving for, its evolution, and how they overcome challenges.

What is the work that Edgar’s Mission does, why is it needed, and what should people understand about the impact you’re striving to make?

Edgar’s Mission exists to create a kinder world for all by encouraging people to align their everyday actions with their core values. Many of us speak about kindness, justice and compassion, yet our choices do not always reflect those beliefs toward other humans, non-human animals, or the planet itself.

Our daily work centres on the rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming or lifelong care of farmed animals—the most maligned and misunderstood animals on the planet. These animals make up the greatest number of animals in human care, yet they are often absent from our hearts, our conversations and even our animal protection legislation.

Edgar’s Mission is needed because these animals are treated differently simply because of an arbitrary line we have drawn, one that places some animals inside our circle of care and others far outside it. Yet farmed animals share the same capacity to suffer, to feel joy, and to desire freedom as the animals we traditionally welcome into our homes.

By rescuing and caring for them, we are able to step beyond social conditioning and see them as the unique individuals they are. Watching their journeys back to health and safety is deeply uplifting. By sharing their stories, we invite others to see them differently too.

We never seek to tell people what to do. Instead, we trust in the goodness of the human heart. Through connection, understanding and empathy, we believe people will find their own way toward kinder choices.

How was Edgar’s Mission founded?

In 2003, what began as a quirky idea for a photoshoot with a piglet became a life-changing moment for me and for that piglet, whom I named Edgar Alan Pig.

Watching Edgar interact with people revealed something powerful. While I could speak to people’s minds, Edgar effortlessly reached their hearts. He showed me that the most compelling ambassadors for change are the animals themselves.

From that moment, the idea of a purpose-driven sanctuary for rescued farmed animals was born. Edgar reminded people where his kind truly belong, not on a plate, but in our hearts.

Edgar’s Mission is his legacy.

How has the work of Edgar’s Mission evolved over the years?

Much like Edgar himself, the sanctuary has grown and grown. What began on 30 acres at my home in Willowmavin has expanded to 153 peaceful acres in Lancefield.

Our reach has also expanded far beyond our sanctuary gates. Through tours, outreach events, humane education programs, and media, we now connect with hundreds of thousands of people globally.

Storytelling has become the hallmark of our work. Not everyone can run an animal sanctuary, but through our stories, people can walk alongside us and the animals we care for. In doing so, they become part of the change.

What is a common misconception about animal advocacy work?

One common misconception is that animal advocacy is driven by anger or judgment. In reality, the most effective advocacy is grounded in empathy, patience and understanding.

At Edgar’s Mission, we focus on inviting people in, not pushing them away. Change that comes from connection lasts far longer than change driven by guilt or confrontation.

How do you choose which issues to prioritise, and what are some key issues you are currently focusing on?

Edgar’s Mission is not a political organisation or a lobby group. However, through rescue and storytelling, we are uniquely placed to show the real-world impact of legal farming practices.

Stories like Limbo and Gigi’s reveal the harsh reality of mulesing, more truthfully known as live lamb cutting. Reginald P Piglet’s story highlights the intelligence, playfulness, and emotional depth of pigs.

Rescue stories like Jumbuck’s also show the power of individual choice. When someone saw her trapped in a bog and chose kindness, her life was saved. That decision alone made all the difference. Long live kindness.

Are there any movements or organisations you find inspiring, and how does Edgar’s Mission support others?

We are inspired by organisations and movements that lead with compassion, collaboration, and integrity. Edgar’s Mission supports broader change by sharing stories, amplifying voices, and working alongside others who are striving for a more just and compassionate world.

Why is an “All-One” or intersectional approach important for animal advocacy?

An “All-One” approach recognises that justice, kindness and compassion are interconnected. When we learn to care deeply for those most vulnerable—human or non-human—we strengthen our capacity to care across the board.

At Edgar’s Mission, kindness is not selective. We believe expanding our circle of compassion benefits everyone.

How has Dr. Bronner’s support helped advance your work?

Dr. Bronner’s support reflects a shared commitment to creating a kinder world for all. Your ongoing willingness to invest in compassion-driven work allows us to continue rescuing animals, sharing their stories, and inspiring change.

When companies align their business practices with their values, they demonstrate what ethical leadership can look like. That kind of support doesn’t just fund work, it legitimises it. And we are eternally grateful for that.

How can readers best support Edgar’s Mission?

The most powerful way to support our work is to keep animals in your heart and off your plate. If you haven’t yet explored this, we encourage you to do so—for the animals, for the planet, and for your own wellbeing.

Volunteering is another meaningful way to help. With between 450 and 500 animals in our care, there is always work to be done.

While kindness itself costs nothing, caring for animals does. Financial donations, whether one-off, recurring, or a gift left in a will help ensure our animals are safe and loved for life. Every contribution makes a difference.

And one final closing thought to reflect on every day, “If we could live happy and healthy lives without harming others, why wouldn’t we?”