A few weeks ago I wrote a post about my thoughts on starting a nonprofit group that feeds vegan food to the hungry. Maybe I’ll do it someday, but so far I’m all talk. John from Vegan Hills, however; is feeding vegan food to the needy. It’s so cool what he’s doing that I wanted to blab about him on my blog. Here’s his story:
The Lamb That Changed My Life!
Whilst patting a lamb one day, John began to question how it was that he could adore these little animals, yet also eat them. It made no sense. From that day onwards, he gradually stopped eating meat, chicken, and fish. Then he learned about cruel practices involved in the poultry and dairy industries. He wanted no part of this, or any other animal cruelty. So he became a Vegan. Vegan’s don’t consume or use any animal products.
He never felt better. Vegan food is super healthy, so he knew he was doing his body the world of good. After he learned that around 50% of global carbon emissions stem from animal agriculture, he also felt great knowing that he was doing his bit for the environment too. What’s more, he discovered that vegan food tastes fantastic and that there are many recipes to be found in books and online.
In February 2013, he began volunteering in Belgrave at Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS). DRERS helps people in crisis. This can be caused by issues such as illness, loss of job, or domestic violence.
Knowing how important it is to eat healthy food, he wanted to include more vegan options for people at his organization. Thus, he started a project called, ‘Vegan Hills’. He sources vegan food and toiletries from the public and adds these to DRERS offerings. He also arranges for volunteers to come together to cook up vegan meals. The meals are either served to patrons at the drop-in centre, or frozen for clients.
If monetary donations are made (above $2 is tax-deductible), he purchases vegan supplies and includes these in his organization’s offerings. Any donations are much appreciated.
Photo courtesy of adpost.com.
Honk If You're Vegan 
You have such a strong, kind-heart to provide wonderful resources for you and your community. Thinking about your health is one of the most important benefits you can give to you and your body as you know I have learned lots about that!!! Wait to go Celeste!
Thank you SO much for reading and for your lovely words! Celeste 🙂
I am so sorry for lambs and other animals that get eaten. I think this was a great way to feature another vegan’s point of view. I appreciate the message, Celeste! I am proud of your volunteering and also, for the idea of helping the homeless and other places to serve vegan food choices. Because you CARE! I love this quality about you, my friend! Thanks and I will try to eat less meat and use more alternatives, too! Smiles, Robin
Thank you for your lovely words Robin! I hope I made it clear, however; that John from Vegan Hills is the one who is volunteering. I don’t want to take credit for his hard work.
Anyway, I’m SO excited to hear that you’re going to try to eat less meat chica. It takes some getting used to, but once you learn how to cook this way it’s super tasty. My husband and I don’t ever want to go back to how we ate before. We LOVE being vegan.
As always, thanks for all of your support! Celeste 🙂
“Maybe I’ll do it someday, but so far I’m all talk.”
All good ideas started with a conversation with oneself!
Great post!
Ain’t that the truth! Thanks for your support Stacey – I really appreciate it! Celeste 🙂
Lovely post yet another vegan hero. Celeste it could be my computer and internet but I could not get the link to work for me.
Hey there Ivonne! Thanks for telling me about the link, I’ll check it out! Hope all is well! Celeste 🙂
Wonderful!
There are individuals that are doing this. one is Master Vegan Chef and energy healer Chef Dave Choi. He feeds mostly Chicago inner city kids with cancer getting them healthier every day. He and his wife cook every week and then deliver to about 50 families. He is truly amazing. He cooks for wealthy families, and then uses the $$ for the kids. It’s a great idea whose time has come! Thanks for the post! xxoo
I will promote John too!! 🙂
I’m so proud of you Celeste, what an inspiration you are to all of us. Providing healthy vegan options/resources for your community is phenomenal! Good health to me is so important, it’s the best gift we can give to our bodies! xoxo
John has such a great story! I hope you do one day start that non-profit group, it’s an amazing idea. So thoughtful!
Thank you for sharing this story! I love your idea for a nonprofit too – I’ll support however I can when you get started!
Wow- feeding the needy, saving animals, and creating awareness all at once. How great is that. I am really getting that animals are wise teachers that can transmit so much if we are willing to listen. It was my boyfriend’s cat, smiling at me shyly one day, that started opening me up to my own process of starting to eat less meat. It’s a journey but I am getting there. Thanks for sharing, Celeste.
I love this. Another example of how the consciousness towards the way we eat is shifting here in North America. Be well lovely lady!
Hey Celeste. You always supply such interesting and important information. You know how it says, “you learn something new every day”? Well, some days that something new comes you (did you notice how that rhymes-hehehe).
Wow, I had no idea that %50 of the worlds carbon emissions stemmed from animal agriculture. Hmmmmmm… Just another way that the industrial revolution has brought about negative effect on the environment.
Thanks for educating me girl.
=)
Staci
Such a great idea! 🙂
Hello Celeste, your non-profit idea sounds great. I hope you get to do it when the time is right. Take care 🙂
Tarja x
I enjoyed reading the story you shared about this caring man and the work he is doing in his community. Your steady advocacy for plant-based eating is a great thing, and I know it is having an impact. Keep up the good work! – Mike
What wonderful story and what a marvelous idea, so refreshingly positive.
My in-laws (who were traditional in their Scandinavian eating habits; i.e. loads of dairy and meat) recently did a vegan detox program incorporating healthy vegan food (homemade), no white sugar/flour, some cardio exercise and yoga. In 45 days their physical tests revealed that they are 13 years younger internally. They feel awesome too and are so open to embracing new, positive changes. Love it! And love this post too!!!
How exciting for your in-laws!!!! My husband and I also don’t eat white sugar or white flour (we’re not perfect, however) and our health has improved dramatically. My husband’s high blood pressure and high cholesterol are now normal, we’ve both lost weight, the persistent skin conditions we used to suffer from are gone and both of us don’t seem to get colds anymore. Thank you so much for sharing this with me!! Celeste 🙂