SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (June 13, 2023) — In a powerful statement supporting animal rights and welfare, renowned actress Dame Judi Dench has joined forces with In Defense of Animals in calling upon individuals and communities worldwide to support the organization’s mission to protect and defend the rights and well-being of animals through leaving a gift in their will.

Dench’s involvement with In Defense of Animals comes as no surprise, as she has long been a passionate voice for animals, and a staunch supporter of animal rights. The Oscar-winning actress, best known as “M” in James Bond, recently starred in Wild Borneo Adventure, a TV series focusing attention on orangutans' role in preventing global warming and efforts to save the rainforest. When asked about her collaboration with In Defense of Animals, Dench expressed her deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals.

“Supporting animal advocacy and rescue is extremely important to me, which is why I support In Defense of Animals,” said Dame Judi Dench. “I want to continue building a better world for animals, and a charitable bequest is the best way to make that happen. If you love animals, I encourage you to remember vulnerable animals in your will – leave a legacy of love.”

Dench’s heartfelt words highlight the significance of including animal welfare in estate planning, ensuring that animals in need receive ongoing support and care even after one’s passing. By considering a charitable bequest to In Defense of Animals, individuals can leave a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable animals and contribute to a more compassionate world.

In Defense of Animals is an organization that has been at the forefront of animal protection for over four decades. Through its extensive programs and campaigns, In Defense of Animals fights against animal cruelty, promotes compassionate living, and advocates for changes to ensure animals are treated with dignity and respect. Among its many milestones for animals, the international nonprofit has shut down cruel animal laboratories, protected mustangs from roundups, shuttered the worst elephant zoo exhibits and rescued hundreds of dog meat trade victims.

“We are honored to have Dame Judi Dench standing with us in our ongoing efforts to defend animals,” said Fleur Dawes, Communications Director from In Defense of Animals. “Her support and influential voice will help us amplify our message and inspire countless individuals to take personal action. Wills are one of the most powerful tools we have to ensure our own animals, and all animals, are valued, protected, and cherished.”

Dench’s support for In Defense of Animals follows that of fellow British actor, Peter Egan. In May 2022, the Downton Abbey star told In Defense of Animals, “As someone who values animals and wants to protect the environment, I love the idea of including a charitable bequest in my will. This is a great way to ensure that your estate will go on to support animal rescue and advocacy for many years to come! I stand with In Defense of Animals against exploitation and cruelty, and hope others will consider helping animals through legacy giving.”

As part of its campaign with Dench and Egan, In Defense of Animals encourages animal lovers, supporters, and the general public to join them in championing the rights of animals. 

People can contribute to this important cause by volunteering, making a donation, and considering a charitable bequest to In Defense of Animals to leave a lasting legacy of love for animals.

Leave your legacy of love for free www.freewill.org/ida

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Contacts: 

Fleur Dawes, 415-879-6879 (US)/07951 802 394 (UK), media@idausa.org

Nicole Otoupalik, 480-474-4783, nicole@idausa.org

Dame Judi Dench was born Judith Olivia Dench in York, England, to Eleanora Olive (Jones), who was from Dublin, Ireland, and Reginald Arthur Dench, a doctor from Dorset, England. She attended Mount School in York, and studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama. She has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and at Old Vic Theatre. She is a ten-time BAFTA winner including Best Actress in a Comedy Series for A Fine Romance (1981) in which she appeared with her husband, Michael Williams, and Best Supporting Actress in A Handful of Dust (1988) and A Room with a View (1985). She received an ACE award for her performance in the television series Mr. and Mrs. Edgehill (1985). She was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1970, a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1988 and a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in 2005. — IMDB mini-bio by dh

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 40-year history of defending animals, humans, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org/about

FreeWill is a social-good enterprise offering online tools that empower Americans to address commonly faced estate planning needs and make charitable donations in tax-advantaged ways, all for free. FreeWill also features a charitable giving platform that makes it easier for nonprofit fundraising teams to unlock transformational non-cash gifts. Through its partnerships with 1,000+ nonprofits who understand that major gifts often are part of estate plans, the company is also able to provide a comprehensive suite of estate planning and related tools to consumers free of cost. To date, FreeWill has generated nearly $5 billion in planned and real-time gifts for more than 10,000 nonprofits while helping more than 460,000 consumers create wills and plan their estates. https://www.freewill.com

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