At the end of September, Governor Dannel P. Malloy and state lawmakers deeded approximately 34.44 acres of land in Newtown to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, Inc. during a ceremonial bill signing of Special Act 14-13, which facilitates the transfer of the state-owned land for the creation of an animal sanctuary and wildlife preserve.

The Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation and Animal Sanctuary were born from its namesake’s love of all animals. Catherine Hubbard died tragically at the age of six at Sandy Hook Elementary School, but her parents determined that her legacy will live on by offering refuge and improving the lives of abused, abandoned and neglected animals. They asked for donations to The Animal Center in Newtown in lieu of flowers when their daughter was killed and later partnered with the Center to create the vision for the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary to honor their daughter’s love for animals.

The sanctuary, now in phase one of development, is intended to be a national model for providing a safe haven and place of serenity for animals in need of healing support. In addition, it will serve as a central hub for people to come together to connect with animals, nature and one another by offering:

• Companion animal adoption programs
• Farm animal refuge
• Wildlife rehabilitation and release
• Organic community gardens
• Nature-based workshops and wellness programs

All donations go directly to the establishment of the sanctuary. The parcel of land is located within the Fairfield Hills property located near Old Farm Road in Newtown. The complete site plan includes a community garden, learning center, library, rescue cottage, barns, canine and feline communities, butterfly gardens, walking trails and more.

 

For more information on the sanctuary, visit CvhFoundation.org or call 203-313-8391. Inquiries can be emailed to [email protected] and donations can be sent to PO Box 3571, Newtown.