Julia Tomkins Wisner
Players aim to raise $200,000 for The Humane League in "Spread the Love" Campaign
New York, United States - Thursday, 5 September 2024 – Eight of the world’s top tennis players have united to harness their influence and fight against the abuse of animals raised for food in their new “Spread the Love” campaign.
Throughout the tennis tour’s USA summer swing, culminating with the US Open currently underway in New York, these athletes are pledging a percentage of their prize money to The Humane League – a pioneering charity dedicated to ending animal suffering in factory farms by influencing corporate policies and passing legislation.
The players include world No. 1 ranked doubles player Erin Routcliffe, world No. 6 ranked doubles player Joe Salisbury, and fellow tennis stars Gaby Dabrowski, Elise Mertens, Wesley Koolhof, Jan Lennard Struff, Nicole Melichar-Martinez, and Marcus Daniell.
As members of High Impact Athletes (HIA), they are part of a growing movement mobilising professional athletes to support the world’s most effective, science-backed charities.
The athletes are calling on tennis and animal welfare fans to join them in this journey by donating to the cause. Thanks to a generous donor, the first $100,000 raised will be matched, doubling the impact.
Canadian tennis star Gaby Dabrowski said: “As an athlete, I’m in a privileged position to have a platform, and I believe it’s important to use that platform for the greater good. For me, giving back means using my voice to create positive change—not just for players on tour who may feel unheard, but also for animals who can’t speak for themselves.
“I’ve always loved animals. When I was younger, my dad used to joke that after tennis, we’d open an animal sanctuary together. While that dream is closer now than it was back then, it’s easier to support organisations like The Humane League, which are already doing the hard work to ensure animals have the quality of life they deserve. By donating, I know I’m helping to make a real difference.”
With a goal to raise a total of $200,000 by the end of the campaign, the initiative directly supports The Humane League's work alleviating the suffering of millions of animals. In 2023, The Humane League held 62 food companies accountable to their commitments to spare 41 million hens from extreme confinement.
The Humane League’s mission is more critical than ever. Factory farming inflicts severe daily suffering on billions of animals. An estimated 83 billion land animals are raised for food each year, with 94% confined to factory farms. These animals endure lives devoid of fresh air, sunlight, and the freedom to move—a stark reality The Humane League is determined to change.
British tennis player Joe Salisbury added: “We’re fortunate as athletes to be able to give back, and donating a portion of our prize money appealed to me. I’m not materialistic, and knowing I can make a positive impact with my earnings felt right.
“Animals are sentient beings; they can feel pain, suffer, and experience joy. The way many animals are treated, especially in factory farming, is simply unfair. I’m not a vegan or vegetarian, but I care about the welfare of the animals I eat, and I believe they shouldn’t suffer unnecessarily.”
This campaign follows other successful initiatives launched by High Impact Athletes in 2024. Earlier this year, New Zealand boxer David Nyika pledged $10 per punch landed in a high-profile bout to Against Malaria Foundation, while HIA founder Marcus Daniell committed 50% of his final year’s winnings to high-impact charities focused on climate action, poverty alleviation, and animal welfare.
Daniell, founder of HIA and one of the athletes participating in this initiative, said:
“High Impact Athletes is built on the idea that athletes have a unique ability to drive positive change by supporting evidence-based charities. This latest campaign to support The Humane League is a powerful example of that potential, and it’s incredible to see so many top players stepping up to make a difference.”
Vicky Bond, Animal Welfare Scientist and President of The Humane League, said:
“We’re beyond grateful that these High Impact Athletes—whose talent is matched by their generosity and compassion—have chosen to speak up for animals who can’t speak up for themselves. By using their platforms for good, they're helping to raise the necessary awareness and funds to make a real impact for animals raised for food, who face cruel and archaic conditions every day on factory farms. Together, let’s Spread the Love for animals and fix our broken food system.”
To join the “Spread the Love campaign” visit The Humane League website.
