This week’s edition includes a few ways to mark Earth Day—whether that’s joining a day of activism in Burlington or entering Avelo’s dinner giveaway.

But there’s more going on too, including a Saturday potluck near Queen & Spadina and a Sunday afternoon art session at Wishbone.

Plus, we’ve got the details on a national animal protection debate happening midweek, and a quick reminder to cast your vote for Matilda and the Brave Escape, a vegan short film up for a Webby.

Also—Easter’s coming up this weekend. Are you cooking a special dinner? If so, where do you get your ingredients? My go-to for holiday meals is Good Rebel, especially when I’m looking for something a bit more special than the usual grocery run.

Week of April 17 - 23:

News:

• This week brings Earth Day, celebrated every year on April 22. It began in 1970 as a grassroots environmental movement in the United States, sparked by growing public concern over pollution and ecological degradation. The first Earth Day mobilized millions and led to the creation of key environmental protections like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Today, it’s a global event observed in over 190 countries, focusing on a wide range of environmental issues. Its link to veganism lies in the growing recognition that animal agriculture is a leading driver of deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss—making plant-based diets a powerful personal action to reduce environmental impact.
  

• Avelo Earth Day Giveaway
  In celebration of Earth Day, Avelo is giving away a dinner for two at their vegan fine dining restaurant. To enter, follow @avelo.restaurant on Instagram, like and save the giveaway post, and tag two friends in the comments. For a bonus entry, share the post to your story and tag Avelo. This is a fun opportunity—good luck!

Events:

• Easter Vegan Potluck
  📅 Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
  🕒 Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  📍 Location: Near Queen Street West & Spadina Avenue (exact address shared with confirmed attendees)

  🔗 Registration

  Bring a vegan dish to share and join others for a relaxed evening of food, board games, and conversation. The event is open to vegans and the vegan-curious. Space is limited and RSVP approval is required. The event takes place in a private apartment a short walk from Queen & Spadina; the exact location will be sent out on the day.

• PaintPix & Chills
  📅 Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025
  🕒 Time: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  📍 Location: Wishbone Animal Rights Lab, 600 Bay Street, Suites 305–308
  🎟️ Tickets: Free

  This relaxed afternoon art session invites participants of all skill levels to explore their creativity with artist and Wishbone volunteer Kieran Hayes (aka The Sunday Guy). Materials are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. As always, the space is fully plant-based, so any food brought must be vegan. Please note that the venue is unfortunately not accessible via elevator on weekends due to the heritage building's limitations.

• National Animal Protection Debate
  📅 Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
  🕒 Time: 12:00 PM ET
  📍 Location: Online (“Registration will open soon”)

  Tune in to this live-streamed federal debate focused on animal protection, featuring candidates from the major parties: Nathaniel Erskine-Smith (Liberal), Alistair MacGregor (NDP), Yves Perron (Bloc Québécois), and Elizabeth May (Green). Moderated by journalist Karman Wong.

Activism:

• Run For Your Lives: Earth Day Vigil & Outreach
  📅 Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
  🕒 Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  📍 Location: Starts at 875 Appleby Line (near Fearmans), ends in downtown Burlington

  More info here

  This Earth Day, activists are invited to join a full-day event combining animal advocacy and environmental outreach. The day begins with a morning vigil for pigs at Fearmans slaughterhouse, followed by a 7 km “Run For Your Lives” jog or walk to Burlington City Hall. The group will then enjoy lunch, green smoothies, and several hours of public outreach, including the 100 Cafes Campaign. The event wraps with an optional group dinner at Lettuce Love Café. Attendees are asked to bring refillable water bottles and dress for the weather. Signs and materials will be provided.

The Toronto Vegan Restaurants Guide 2025

World Vegan News:

• The short animated film Matilda and the Brave Escape, created by vegan educator and activist Earthling Ed (Ed Winters), has been nominated for a Webby Award and is currently in second place. The film follows Matilda, a young pig who escapes a slaughterhouse in a poignant, dialogue-free journey meant to spark empathy for farmed animals. Earthling Ed is known globally for his educational videos, public speaking, and viral outreach work promoting veganism and animal rights. The Webby nomination presents a rare mainstream spotlight on vegan messaging, and supporters are encouraged to vote for the film here to help push it into first place.

In the Near Future:

*(more info will come closer to the dates)

• Vegan Drinks: Spring Spice Edition
  📅 Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
  🕒 Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  📍 Location: Dosa Mahal, 9 Roncesvalles Avenue

  This month’s Vegan Drinks social is heading to Dosa Mahal for an evening of great conversation and South Asian vegan fare. Held on the last Friday of each month, the event is open to everyone—vegans, vegetarians, and the veg-curious alike. While there’s no cover charge, attendees are encouraged to support the venue by purchasing food or drinks (note: this is a dry event). Expect a casual, welcoming vibe, name tags to make mingling easy, and plenty of gluten-free dosas, pakoras, and plant-based dishes to enjoy.

• 🚶‍♀️ 3rd Annual Anti-Vivisection World Protest
  📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
  ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
  📍 Location: Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland St.
  🔗 Event details: Facebook Event Page

  Join this annual walk to raise awareness about animal testing and vivisection. The event aims to educate and advocate for cruelty-free alternatives while fostering a compassionate community.

• The Conscious Coffee Party
  📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
  🕒 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  📍 Location: Centre for Social Innovation – Spadina, 192 Spadina Avenue.
  🎟️ Tickets: Early-bird $20 extended until April 19; standard $25

  A casual daytime social focused on sustainable, low-waste, and plant-based living. Expect free coffee, tea, and vegan bites, plus music, dancing, and a chance to connect with like-minded people. Bringing your own cup is encouraged.

• Planted Expo Toronto 2025: Canada's Largest Plant-Based Event
  📅 Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025, 10:00 AM
  📍 Location: Enercare Centre, Toronto 

  🎟️ : Planted Expo Tickets

  Planted Expo Toronto is confirmed for May 10, 2025. Note: There will be no BC edition this year. Discover over 200 plant-based, vegan, and sustainable exhibitors, brands, and services at this family-friendly event. Hear from insightful speakers and explore a variety of products and services.

  Please note: Clicking the link above supports us with a small commission, which helps fund our work.

• Plant-Based Toronto TTC Ad Campaign Launch Party
  📅 Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
  📍 Location: The Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard Street East,
  ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
  🎟️ Tickets: Eventbrite (Early bird discount until May 18)

  🌱 This event celebrates the launch of the Plant-Based Toronto ad campaign, which will run across Toronto’s two main TTC subway lines throughout June. The campaign features 22 local leaders from the food industry and non-profit sector advocating for a more plant-based Toronto.

  The launch party will bring together members of the plant-based community, including foodies, creators, and influencers.

• 2025 Toronto Animal Rights March
  📅 Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM
  📍 Location: Queen’s Park.

  🔗 Event link

  The annual Toronto Animal Rights March returns this July as part of a global movement demanding justice and legal protection for animals. Organized by local activist groups including No Low – Plant Powered, the event invites participants to unite in solidarity for animal liberation. Full details to be announced—participants are encouraged to save the date and invite others.

• Vegandale Toronto 2025
  📅 Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
  📍 Location: Woodbine Park
  🎟️ Tickets available: Here ($$ increase after today)

  Vegandale returns to Toronto for another full day of food, music, art, and ethical consumerism—all 100% vegan. While specific vendors and performers have yet to be announced, past events have featured global plant-based brands, bold branding, and an unapologetically vegan atmosphere.

• VegTO Fest 2025
  📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025 (11:00 AM – 7:00 PM) & Sunday, September 21, 2025 (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
  📍 Location: Nathan Phillips Square.
  🎟️ Free admission

  🌱 VegTO Fest announced it will return for its 40th anniversary with the theme Eat. Innovate. Transform. Expect two full days of plant-based food vendors, guest speakers, and community-driven experiences focused on the future of sustainable and compassionate living. More details to come closer to the date.
  

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