Who are the Vegans and Vegetarians of Alberta?

A compassionate community growing together since 1989

We envision a world where people think critically about their food choices, where growing numbers of businesses, community groups, and organizations inspire people to make healthier, greener, more compassionate choices, and where nutritious, sustainable, plant-based foods are accessible to all.

We pride ourselves on providing expert information, celebrating Alberta's diversity, embracing our grassroots, volunteer-driven history, and being fiscally and socially responsible, and environmentally conscious.

100% Volunteer-Driven

Our organization thrives on the passion and dedication of volunteers who believe in creating a more compassionate world.

Vegans and Vegetarians of Alberta is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 to serve people who are interested in learning about, adopting and/or maintaining a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. VVoA is a non-political and non-religious organization run solely by volunteers.

Our Mission

Advocating for compassionate choices in Alberta

We advocate for the adoption of a plant-based diet and vegan lifestyle for healthy, ethical and sustainable living. Based in the historically progressive province of Alberta, we provide a community where people can meet, learn, share ideas and information, and interact with others interested in living compassionately for a better world.

Healthy

Promoting nutritious plant-based diets for optimal wellbeing

Ethical

Compassionate choices that respect all living beings

Sustainable

Environmental stewardship for future generations

Free-range chickens representing ethical animal treatment
Ethical Treatment
Advocating for freedom from exploitation

Building Community

Connecting like-minded individuals across Alberta to share knowledge and support

Better World

"Living compassionately for a better world through conscious choices"

How VVoA Came to Be

From Edmonton river valley potlucks to provincial movement

"Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle which seeks to exclude all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose."

- The foundation of our movement

The Beginning (1989)

Vegans and Vegetarians of Alberta (VVoA) was originally established as Vegetarians of Alberta when Glen McLean first initiated vegetarian potluck picnics in the Edmonton river valley in 1989.

Growing Movement (1999)

The name change, to include vegans, came around 10 years later acknowledging the rapidly growing popularity of veganism. The goals have always been to support people following, and new to, the vegetarian or vegan diet and to educate the public.

Pioneering Challenges

When the organization was formed, it was not common for everyone to own a computer, there was no viable internet for information and there were very few people who followed, or had even heard of vegetarian/vegan diets. There were no "fake meats", dairy-free cheeses or tofu products in the stores.

Building Community

The organization grew from potlucks to guest speakers including Neal Barnard, Howard Lyman, Vesanta Molina, Brenda Davis, Paul Watson, and many more, video showings, a quarterly newsletter, the diners club, our lending library, discounts, tabling and other educational events.

35+ Years of Growth

Distinguished Speakers

Neal Barnard, Howard Lyman, Vesanto Melina, Brenda Davis, Paul Watson, and many more inspiring voices

VegFest Success

In 2018, VVoA introduced Edmonton's first VegFest, followed by an even bigger VegFest in 2019. Both VegFest events were very well attended and raised awareness of plant-based eating.

Continuing Legacy

Potlucks have been ongoing since VVoA began (other than the 2 years when Covid was at a peak). We also have monthly diners' events at a variety of restaurants, a members-only lending library at Earth's General store, and our summer VegFest event.