Even though Animal Rights Club only began at Mercy three years ago, it is already one of the biggest clubs at Mercy with about 60 members. The club meets every club day and hopes to schedule more meeting outside club days, so members can become even more involved.

During their last club meeting this year, Animal Rights Club raised $400 for local animal shelters. That money was then divided and the club donated $100 each to four separate shelters. The club has encouraged members as well as other Mercy students to participate in marches and walks for animal rights around Michigan. Another way the club has contributed is through making fleece knot blankets and tennis ball rope toys for shelter dogs.

“I want to continue making toys for dogs and cats in shelters during Christmas time,” said junior Julia Coffman. “I also really want to find another organization that we could help with something similar to the toys.”

The club’s passion for animals is shown through the hard work its members put into raising money and making toys. Especially passionate about animals is senior and club leader Eli Lyons.

“I decided to be a member freshman year because I am a vegetarian and passionate about animals,” said Lyons. “I have a dog named Sullivan and he’s the love of my life.”

Lyons worked alongside previous leaders Olivia Hintz (‘18) and Makena Duval ‘(18) in prior years. She says that their excellent leading inspired her to become a leader and she wanted to keep the club going when they left. Also a leader of the club is Mrs. Lisa Bodin, who is leaving at the end of the year. Members of the club wanted to make Mrs. Bodin’s last meeting memorable because she has done so much for the club.

“Mrs. Bodin has a heart of gold and loves animals so much,” said Lyons. “I am so happy I had the pleasure of working with someone who is just as, if not more, compassionate about animals.”

Like Mrs. Bodin, the members of Animal Rights Club care deeply for animals and want to work to improve conditions for them. Being part of Animal Rights Club means they can make a difference and show their love.

“It is important because many people come in contact with animals each day and not many people know all of the suffering that they go through,” said Coffman. “Animal Rights [Club] educates all of our members about ways to help these animals and about how important it is to support organizations that cruelty-free and help our animals every day.”