EU Ban of Kangaroo Meat Just a Hop Away!
With cat and dog fur now banned across the EU – and a ban on seal products set to take hold next year – now it’s time to fight the largest massacre of land animals taking place on the planet today. Viva! is working with, and supporting, a new initiative by Australia’s Wildlife Protection Council to ban all kangaroo products (meat and leather) across the EU.
Over three million kangaroos are hunted each year, with an estimated 440,000 baby joeys adding to the brutal toll. Because to the cruel kangaroo trade they are commercially worthless, the young are pulled from their dying mother’s pouches and decapitated or have their heads literally smashed in. This must stop. Viva! has fought hard – and with your support we’ve won! – to keep kangaroo meat out of much of Britain. If the trade is banned across Europe, it will potentially save the lives of millions of animals.
Please help us and the AWPC get the ball rolling. Sign the petition today – and send it to everyone you know!
Keep badgering the politicians!
The offices of Nick Clegg and David Cameron have been flooded with complaints from Viva! supporters about their misguided badger ‘culling’ policy – we know because one of them accidentally told us! The Liberal Democrats have said they will allow a trial 'cull', which will only mirror the useless misery that is about to unfold in Wales. The Conservatives haven't even said what form their wildlife annihilation will take, which could potentially mean they will allow farmers to go kill-crazy across England. We have formulated a response to their standard email replies for you to send here. If you haven’t already contacted them you can do so here.
Cast your vote – for Viva!’s 15th anniversary awards
Best vegan company and product
Veganism has come a long way in the last 15 years – and so has Viva!. What vegan product gets your taste buds going or skin tingling? Which vegan company makes the best products? As part of our 15th anniversary we are awarding the best-of-the-best, and we want your opinion!
Let us know what you think is the best vegan product (which can be from a vegan or non-vegan company) and which is the best vegan company. Simply email justin@viva.org.uk or send a postcard to Justin Kerswell, 15th anniversary awards, Viva!, 8 York Court, Wilder Street, Bristol BS2 8QH with your nominations. Closing date: Friday, July 24.
The VVF and Viva! Present Dr. Greger’s Latest in Nutrition
Tickets going fast! Book yours to ensure a place to see vegan nutritionist to Oprah Winfrey
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Edmond J Safra Lecture Theatre, Strand Building, Strand Campus, Kings College, London, WC2R 2LS (1.15pm-5pm)
Tickets only £5 (incl. P&P)
Learn first hand how going vegan is the most effective thing anyone can do to prevent, treat and even reverse chronic disease – from one of the world’s premier clinical nutritionists. The VVF present a fascinating afternoon with Dr Michael Greger, featuring the latest in cutting-edge health research and how giving up meat and dairy products can really transform your life! This is selling out quickly – so, for more information and to book your tickets visit the VVF website now! With an introduction by Juliet Gellatley, Viva!’s founder and director.
Work for Viva! – job vacancies
Director’s Administration Assistant (Full-time)
Do you want to work for Viva! (and VVF) - a dynamic and very busy Bristol based organisation and play an essential role in our work to save animals and promote a healthy, cruelty-free diet? If you are a committed vegetarian or vegan, experienced in administration, have good writing and WP/database skills and are friendly, even tempered and approachable – this could be the job for you! Click here for more info.
Closing date: July 3, 2009
Fundraising Assistant P/T
Main duties are data entry and sending out information packs. Experience of databases useful, training can be given. Must be committed vegetarian or vegan. 14 hours pw over 2 or 3 days. Salary £6.50 ph.
Closing date: July 14, 2009
For more details/application form for both these posts call Julie Cook on 0117 944 1000
or email juliecook@viva.org.uk or visit www.viva.org.uk
Supporters wanted for peaceful protest at squirrel pâté
There are hopes to organise a peaceful protest outside a food company in Denbighshire, North Wales, who have started producing grey squirrel pâté.
Jenny Whitham, from Denbighshire food company Patchwork Pâté, decided to make the pâté after catching a grey squirrel, reported the local press, who claim the venture has proved a ‘great success’.
She also told Click Liverpool that: “We haven't had any negative comeback from animal rights activists over the squirrel pâté. I think people know we are doing this for the red squirrels and are glad we are actually eating the greys rather than simply destroying them."
If you would like more information on how you can get involved, please contact lindafurness1@btinternet.com
Summer Shopping
Sling one of our gorgeous bags over your shoulder and take on the summer sun, the Viva! way! Whether you’re packing for a picnic, taking a hike or planning a trip to the beach, the Viva! Shop has a bag for you. From organic carry-alls to recycled rucksacks to groovy drawstring back-packs, wearing one of our bags fashionably spreads the veggie word in an eco-friendly way. For a limited time only, we are offering a 10 per cent discount on all of our summer bags. Visit the Viva! Shop online for more details www.viva.org.uk/shop.
Delicious vegetarian recipes for free!
The Vegetarian Recipe Club – the amazing online recipe resource from Viva!’s sister organisation, the Vegetarian and Vegan Foundation (VVF) is now available for everyone to access free! Visit www.vegetarianrecipeclub.org.uk/ and check out its wonderful sections:
- Cupboard Basics is the complete guide to creating a veggie store cupboard from scratch.
- Kitchen Equipment gives the low down on which bits of kit you shouldn’t be without.
- Eating on a Budget – hot tips to make sure you’re quids in.
- Va Va Va Veganise! is about veganising your favourite meat and dairy dishes. You may not even know the difference.
- Veggie Food for Thought. Know what to do with bulgur, buckwheat, tofu or polenta and other healthy foods? You will now!
Do you look young for your age?
Are you often told that you look young for your age? If yes, don’t be shy. Viva! are doing some research for a possible magazine feature and need your help.
Please email a photo along with the number of years you’ve been veggie/vegan (and if you like, the reason you think you look young) to juliet@viva.org.uk No age restrictions – you could be 35 or 95! Thanks.
Amanda’s marathon success
Senior nutritionist at the VVF, Amanda Woodvine, successfully completed the London Marathon this April to raise funds for the organisation.
Unimpeded by her tutu(!) vegan Amanda finished the marathon in position 3,593 out of more than 35,000 runners, in a time of 4:24:48. She aims to raise a total of £5,000 in sponsorship, and – thanks to the generosity of supporters – has raised a phenomenal £3,189.48 to date! It’s certainly not too late to sponsor this amazing achievement. Amanda’s secure online fundraising page will continue to accept donations until July 26, 2009. Simply visit www.justgiving.com/amandawoodvine or call 0117 970 5190 to donate.
Do you know a sympathetic journalist?
Viva!’s press office are always looking for new ways to get our lifesaving messages out into the media – and so would like to hear from you if you know a journalist who is sympathetic to our cause. Maybe they are a vegetarian or vegan, or just an animal lover; either way we stand more chance of getting stories published if we can send them to someone who we know cares about animals. Please send any names, media titles and email addresses to press@viva.org.uk or call and speak to Viva! press officer, Helen Rossiter, by ringing 0117 944 1000.
Become a School Speaker
.... and do one of the most effective things you can for the animals!
Viva! and the Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation School Speaker Training Day
Saturday, August 29, 10am-5pm, at the Charity Centre, 24 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2DP
Calling all animal advocates! We need you to get into schools and promote the veggie message! Speaking to teenagers in schools about vegetarian issues is a truly uplifting experience. This no obligation training is fun and rewarding. The day costs only £10 waged/£5 unwaged, which includes a copy of The Viva! Guide to Speaking in Schools, our teen video Food for Life, leaflets and vegan refreshments. Find out more here.
Last chance to save Scottish Animal Sanctuary
The future of Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary in Scotland is under threat from plans to build a dual carriage way through the land it occupies.
If approved, the sanctuary would lose 20 acres and the road – which would have a devastating effect on the centre and the surrounding environment.
Objectors are still awaiting findings from a Public Inquiry conducted last year – but there are fears that any recommendations for refusal could be overturned by the Scottish First Minister.
A petition has been drawn up against the road proposal – to sign it and support the future of Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary, please visit www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22833.html Closing date: June 30, 2009.
Chef/manager wanted for veggie café on the Isle of Wight
A very decorative vegetarian café is opening this season on the Isle of Wight, and they are searching for a good dynamic chef/manager – fabulous terms offered. Located in Ryde, Isle of Wight For more information, please call 01983 568 555 or email hermetic@tiscali.co.uk
Meat-free Reading! – Sign the petition
Viva! are working hard to persuade our local Council (and others!) to adopt at least one meat-free day a week to follow the lead of Ghent in Belgium and hopefully Liverpool here in the UK. Sign this petition to help make the same positive moves in Reading!
Business friends
Veggieromance www.veggieromance.com
Veggieromance.com is the UK's leading website for vegans and vegetarians wishing to meet like-minded singles. Join veggieromance.com to connect with people who share your lifestyle and outlook. Thousands of members nationwide. Network and connect with other vegetarian & vegan singles today. www.veggieromance.com
Ecotricity www.ecotricity.co.uk/viva
Ecotricity is dedicated to building new sources of renewable energy to fight climate change, investing more per customer all the other UK suppliers put together. Switch to Ecotricity and they will donate £20 to Viva! Just call 08000 302 302 or go to www.ecotricity.co.uk/viva.
The Lucy Rose Organic Beauty Boutique www.lucyrose.biz
The Lucy Rose Organic Beauty Boutique boasts an extensive hand-picked selection of the finest organic and natural beauty brands. You will find chemical-free alternatives for effective sun care, baby care, makeup, skin and anti-ageing – available with free P&P within the UK.
Seaweed Scotland www.justseaweed.com
Delicious and nutritious! Fresh from our small cottage business on Isle of Bute Scotland, our seaweed is healthy organic and eco friendly food. It’s also brilliant for bathing skin care and detox. Visit www.justseaweed.com for more details.
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