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Food festival at UWinnipeg celebrates compassion for animals and the planet

Winnipeg VegFest will be held on Saturday, September 16th, 2017 at the Axworthy Health and RecPlex at the University of Winnipeg. Admission is free and open to the public. Doors open at 9:00 am. The first 150 attendees will receive a commemorative swag bag loaded with goodies.

WINNIPEG, MB – Winnipeg VegFest aims to foster compassion for animals, promote eco-friendly living, educate the public about health and nutrition, and introduce the rapidly growing world of plant-based cuisine.

“Winnipeg VegFest will be a lively, entertaining, and action-packed day of good food, dynamic speakers, provocative discussions, beautiful artwork, children’s activities, and so much more,” says event co-organizer Jason Hannan. “Winnipeg has a large number of people who care deeply about animals and the planet. We’re absolutely thrilled to be putting on Winnipeg’s first-ever VegFest.”

Winnipeg VegFest will feature an all-star line up of keynote speakers, including:

  • Carol J. Adams, renowned feminist author
  • Krista Hiddema, Director of Mercy for Animals
  • Mimi Kirk, raw food chef, author, and speaker
  • Camille Labchuck, Executive Director of Animal Justice
  • Leilani Münter, American racecar driver
  • Dave Nickarz, VP of Sea Shepherd Canada

Participating restaurants include:

  • Affinity Vegetarian Garden
  • Arabesque Café & Restaurant
  • Charisma of India
  • Diversity Foods
  • Feast Café Bistro
  • Harman’s Ethiopian Café
  • Stella’s Café & Bakery
  • The Velvet Glove

Winnipeg VegFest will also feature free yoga and meditation, art, over 40 vendors, children’s activities, a hobby-horse competition, and a vegan mac ‘n cheese contest.

This event is being organized by Jason Hannan (Rhetoric, Writing, & Communications) and Arthur Walker Jones (Religion & Culture) in collaboration with the Farm Animal Compassion Committee of the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS).

“The WHS has a long history of advocating for the humane treatment of farm animals. VegFest is an opportunity to explore all avenues for living a healthier and kinder life — for ourselves, our environment, and, importantly, farm animals. We are proud to support it, and we hope to see you there,” says Javier Schwersensky, CEO of the Winnipeg Humane Society.

Sponsors include: The Fairmont Winnipeg, Stella’s, Generation Green, Alt-Hotel, Float.com, Vita Health, Animal Alliance, and Virgin Radio.

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please contact:
Jason Hannan, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Dept. of Rhetoric and Communication

University of Winnipeg

Tel: 204.786.9453

Email: j.hannan@uwinnipeg.ca

 

About Winnipeg VegFest:

Winnipeg VegFest is an initiative of the Farm Animal Compassion Committee of the Winnipeg Humane Society in collaboration with faculty members from the University of Winnipeg. Winnipeg VegFest is dedicated to raising awareness about animals and the planet. It promotes a lifestyle of compassion and eco-friendly solutions. VegFest events are held annually in major cities across North America, including Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Winnipeg VegFest will be the first event of its kind in Manitoba. If you would like more information, please visit http://www.winnipegvegfest.ca/.

 

About the Winnipeg Humane Society:

The Winnipeg Humane Society is a registered charity and non-profit organization whose mission is to protect animals from suffering and to promote their welfare and dignity. Funded primarily by donations, events and bequests, the WHS has pets for adoption and offers numerous programs and services that promote the humane treatment of animals, including farm animal advocacy efforts, pet first aid, and education programs for children, adults and pets. All pets offered for adoption have been spayed or neutered, received necessary shots and treatments, and a behaviour assessment. If you would like to learn more about our Farm Animal Compassion Committee or The WHS please visit http://www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca.