Vanessa Van Noy -- "I like to “put boots on the ground” for my local community"

Name:  Vanessa Van Noy

What is your job?  Yoga Instructor

What social causes are most important to you?  Being a dedicated yogi and vegan, compassion is my passion, especially animal causes.  My husband and I have rescued all 7 of our pets (3 pit mixes and 4 cats).  We are both active not only in companion animal rescue but farm animal rescue as well.

What charities do you support – and how?  I support some large national groups such as PETA and Best Friends Animal Society.  However, I like to “put boots on the ground” for my local community.  I volunteer time at the local Humane Society in Tinton Falls NJ and previously at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties NY.  I have recently organized food drives for the local SPCA and County Food Bank.  My most recent event is to benefit 180NJ “Turning Lives Around”, an organization that houses and cares for victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Why do you have a passion for these, is there a personal tie?  I am vegan because I love animals.  I don’t think that animals are here for us to eat, wear, or to entertain us.  I believe that all beings deserve to live free of abuse and neglect, and I will do everything in my power to help those who are unable to help themselves.

Is there a particular way you would want to encourage readers to be involved?  The two greatest things anyone can do to help animals are to “Adopt, Don’t Shop” and of course to make the most compassionate choice and go vegan.

How would you define social responsibility?  I think we all have a responsibility to do the least amount of harm to ourselves, others, and the planet as a whole.  Every decision we make affects the world around us and we should strive to make choices that serve the greater good.

Do you have any tattoos that relate to your social work?   Vegan tattoo on left arm with a tiny carrot.   My right sleeve is dedicated to my yoga practice, which contains a Buddha head to represent compassionate living.  My yoga practice inspires my actions and my tattoos are representative of my practice.

Quick list of tattoos/mention artists if you’d like:  Dave Shoemaker of Tattooville in Neptune NJ.  Andrea Elston formerly of East Side Ink, NYC.  Phuc Tran of Tsunami Tattoo Portland, Maine.  Liorcifer of Infernum Tattoo, NYC.