Food for displaced people

It often feels like we are being asked for money and donations continually via the Internet. There are so many people and animals in need of assistance, it is little wonder that we find ourselves feeling bombarded by requests.

The important thing to remember when we see another campaign imploring us to donate is that we are being asked to help because the majority of us are in the position to help.

Even if it is a few pounds, most of us can spare something at the end of the month.

You know where this is going, right? You are about to get hit up for money.

I am asking you to join me in supporting this crucial campaign to get hot vegan meals to the displaced people currently living in camps in and around Calais, France.

My friend Emily Runc of Rupert’s Street has joined forces with a small team of street food traders to cook and deliver hot vegan food to refugees. Read what she has to say below:

In September, a group of us headed out to Calais to serve hot food to the refugees in the camps. Following on from the success of this first visit, a group of street food traders known as Street Aid UK is planning a return trip in January and we are desperately trying to raise funds to make this happen. We are going to provide hot food and also supplies to help the displaced population cope with the unimaginable circumstances they find themselves in.

Through the pain and suffering they have endured, to be forced from their own countries, the struggle and hundreds of miles traveling to bring themselves to safety, and the living conditions they are still forced to endure, these people still managed the strength to show us kindness during our visit. We must do what we can to give them a little comfort during the harsh winter.

Our group of street food traders needs to raise £10,000 in order to return to Calais for 4 days in January from the 14th – 18th, where we will be supplying hot meals and taking much needed supplies such as sleeping bags, tents, coats, building supplies and basic cooking equipment to displaced people in the camp.

OK. This is where we help.

I know we can get Street Aid UK to their goal is no time at all. If every person reading this gave £10, the target would be reached in a matter of hours.

I know we want to do the right thing, but we often need some encouragement so I’m going to set a challenge.

Fat Gay Vegan’s challenge for Calais

Put one item back from your shopping basket/trolley/cart this week and donate the money saved to the Street Aid UK Calais drive. So simple.

Examples:

  • One Vego bar = £3.49
  • A tub of Booja Booja ice cream = £5.99
  • A glass of wine in tibits = £6.50

You can see how easily we could reach the target if we all sacrificed just one purchase this week.

To make it more interactive, I would love for you to post a comment below telling us what you have given up this week and how much money has been donated to the Street Aid UK fundraising drive.

Let’s do this. Let’s show compassion for people in dire circumstances by helping Emily and her group deliver hot vegan meals and crucial supplies.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW

Thank you.


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Vegan schools

Check it out!

I was asked by the Metro online to give my opinion on a school in the USA transitioning to only vegan food being served by its canteen.

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As you can see from the screen shot above, the story was featured prominently on the front page of the website. It has to date been shared more than 8,000 times and is still listed on their trending story list.

You can see the story by clicking here.


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Money raised

Wow.

I know I put on some rollicking events, but even by my standards this week’s comedy fundraiser in the south London neighbourhood of Balham was a real good time.

Thanks to the generosity of the performers and food sponsors Fry’s Family Foods, my event raised just over £1000 for Hugletts Wood Farm Animal Sanctuary. Yes, £1000! (£1005.45 to be exact)

Guests laughed heartily at the joke telling of our host Carl Donnelly and the impressive line up of talent he assembled for the night. Eddy Brimson was a real crowd favourite, as was Jake Yapp with his explanation of the stages of being vegan. Lou Sanders was outrageous in the best possible way, while I can’t thank Wendy Wason and Chris Martin enough for stepping in at the last minute when two of our original line up dropped out.

These comedians donated their time and talent to ensure this night was a massive fundraising success, so please take a moment to click on each of their names and thank them for supporting animals.

Can we talk about the food for a second?

Fry’s really made things special by serving hundreds of their brand new Rice Protein & Chia Nuggets, as well as trays and trays overflowing with their famous Sausage Rolls. Every single guest was also offered one of the new Falafel Burgers, served in a soft bun with aioli and fresh rocket.

Check out my superstar sister-in-law Sophia dealing with food hosting duties on the night.

Those burgers were delicious!

Tammy Fry Kelly of Fry’s Family Foods was on hand to welcome guests and let them know a little more about the company and the new range. You can click here to see some of the products we served on the night.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this night a huge success.

If you would like to help the rescued animals of Hugletts, please visit this fundraising page and give what you can.


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How much is too much?

I like to buy vegan food and I have the perfect excuse. This blog.

When I see something new in the supermarket, I usually justify the expense by telling myself I have a duty to my readers to share the information.

It is rare for something I want to not end up in my shopping basket and you are all to blame!

But yesterday I hit a wall. Would you pay the asking price for these seasonal chocolates? I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

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Groundbreaking news

UK vegans, are you ready for this exclusive news?

No, you’re not ready. This is BIG news.

OK, go.

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Worst photos ever

This isn’t going to be visually pleasing. I’m sorry in advance.

Do you love taking photos of your food during a night out? If so, how do you feel when those perfect snaps are ruined by fancy restaurant lighting? You know the sort. The kind of lighting that is meant to be atmospheric but in reality just stops you from seeing what is on your plate or who is across the table.

This was exactly the scenario during my visit to a vegan-friendly (but dimly lit) 100% gluten free restaurant in the northern UK city of Leeds.

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Sunday glory

Leeds is on fire for vegan food.

You’ve seen my recent post about the wonderful fry-up I enjoyed a few weekends back and now I’m revisiting the northern city to let you know about probably the finest Sunday roast you are going to get anywhere in the country.

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Pasta in a pot

I don’t even drink coffee but find myself presenting you with a second piece of vegan news this week related to one of the biggest coffee chains in the country.

Two days ago I told you about the vegan mince pie being sold at Caffè Nero and today I bring you word of another plant-based offering from the country-wide high street business.

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Amazing vegan breakfast

You might think it would be an easy task to find a decent cooked vegan breakfast in the UK, but sadly we don’t have a lot of noteworthy contenders.

For some mysterious reason, we are experiencing a lean period for outstanding fry ups.

This lack of hot morning meals forces me to search high and low across the country and when I find a decent breakfast, I like to shout about it.

Check out this glorious selection I recently enjoyed in the northern city of Leeds.

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That time of year

It is time.

The leaves have turned, the wind is whistling and Caffè Nero has started selling its vegan mince pie.

I picked up my first mince pie of the season at the Caffè Nero in Richmond today.

Releasing a vegan mince pie is now seemingly a yearly tradition for the coffee chain.

Have you tried one this year?


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