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With plenty of delicious foods and informative presenters, we had a wonderful time attending VIVA Fest at the James Bay Community Centre on April 19th.

Just a few blocks away from the Earth Day festivities at the legislature buildings, VIVA Fest focused on the connection between veganism and the environment. There was a friendly community atmosphere and it was great to see about 400 people in attendance. Festival presentations included a forum on “Climate Change and Food” with participants from the Sierra Club and Uvic’s Common Energy Food Working Group, and 20 minute presentations from environmental speaker Brian Gordon and the President of Earthsave Canada, Dave Way.

The evenings keynote talk was given by Brenda Davis R.D. who is the co-author of the bestsellers: Becoming Vegan, Defeating Diabetes, and the recently released Raw Revolution Diet. Brenda shared her knowledge with us providing practical advice on transitioning to a vegan diet. We enjoyed Sonja’s Limberger’s cooking demonstration (and sampling her vegan delights), raffle prizes, free servings of Mario’s Gelati vegan ice cream, earth-friendly booths and healthy organic East African vegan cuisine from the Blue Nile Restaurant. Much appreciation to those who made the event happen: our sponsors Shift Natural Fashions, Mario’s Gelati Ice cream and Lush Handmade Cosmetics, all of the booth participants, inspiring presenters, lovely crew of volunteers, the Blue Nile Restaurant and everyone who attended and encouraged others to join in the festivities.

Proudly Sponsored by:

Shift Natural Fashion : Ecologically responsible, sweatshop free and animal friendly clothing / accessories

Marios Gelati Italian Ice Cream : Serving delicious vegan tofulati and sorbetto.

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics : vegetarian and vegan luxurious bath, hair and skin care products

*VIVA Fest Booth Participants and Raffle Prizes

* VIVA Fest Poster