We've been getting rave reviews about our change from institutional settings to house parties for our potlucks. Don't be shy. You don't need to know anyone. Give us a try!
Location: Genny's place, a member's house with lots of sofas in the Commercial Drive area.
N.B.: The exact address will be emailed out to all those who register for this event on the Meetup site
These are vegan potlucks, but not potlucks for vegans only. Everyone who wants to cut down on their carbon footprint now and again is welcome, from omnivore to vegan, member or non-member.
About the Potlucks:
Our potlucks regularly attract up to 50 people--some know each other, many don't. Potlucks usually feature a wonderfully diverse array of fine vegan cooking. We occasionally feature an informative after-dinner presentation.
Please bring a vegan dish, enough for 8 servings with serving utensil, ingredient list & your own eating dishes & cutlery.
Don't know what to bring?
If you are new to vegan cooking and at a loss for what to bring, here are some suggestions:
1) Store bought food is 100% acceptable. Capers, Choices and Whole Foods all have lots of vegan items in their deli sections.
2) A fruit salad is always a very welcome addition and quite easy to make.
3) A lettuce salad. Add some nuts or fruit and people will think it's gourmet.
4) Bread and hummus dip.
Don't have anyone to go with?
Don't let that hold you back. Don't be shy, we love meeting new people!Would you like to be part of the Potluck volunteer team? Volunteers get to partake of the feast first and do not have to bring a vegan dish! For more information on potluck volunteering, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator
Examples of Past Potlucks:
Here are a few pictures of the Annual General Meeting for 2009, which we held at the park at the potluck. That is our President, Dale Littlejohn speaking.
At the July 11th potluck, Yves Cuisine handed out free food in handy lunch kits to the first 40 attendees willing to be product evaluators of the food in the lunch kit. These testers will have a say in how their veggie dogs eventually end up tasting! Here is a picture of the kits that were handed out:
Date: Sunday June 29th, 2008
Guest Speaker: Ethan Smith, author of "Building an Ark: 101 Solutions to Animal Suffering".
Topic: A Presentation of the "Building an Ark" project.
"Building an Ark: 101 Solutions to Animal Suffering" is a first-of-its-kind inspiring look at practical solutions to the impact humans have on animals and the natural world. Written by Ethan Smith with Guy Dauncey and blessed with a forward by Dr. Jane Goodall, the project is now supported by a narrated video/slide presentation which Ethan Smith has begun taking on the road to promote the book, and its message of hope for all species.
Ethan gave a 40-minute video/slide presentation, giving a brief overview of the "Building an Ark" project.
Ethan was raised on a small farm in Southern BC with no electricity or TV, inspiring a deep connection to animals and nature. He is a writer, animal welfare advocate and author/editor of the anthology "Softly On This Earth: Joining Those Who Are Healing Our Planet".
Have a look at www.earthfuture.com/ark to find out more.
Date: Sunday May 25th, 2008
Topic: Threats to the Future of the UBC Farm
The May 25th potluck featured three speakers from The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC. The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems is an interdisciplinary learning, research, and community service program of UBC's Faculty of Land and Food Systems. The Centre is the primary steward of the UBC Farm, a 24 ha field site located on the south end of UBC's Vancouver campus. As the only working farmland within the city of Vancouver, the UBC Farm is an urban-agrarian gem, featuring a landscape of unique beauty. The presentation provided an introduction to the Centre and its features and highlighted two exciting programs that take place there. Also discussed was the farm's current position in the UBC campus planning process and why your help is needed to protect this irreplaceable resource.
Stacy Friedman (MA Curriculm Studies, UBC) has been the Program Coordinator for the Intergenerational Landed Learning Project for the past 2 years. She works with some of the most interesting, knowledgeable and compassionate volunteers (seniors and young adults) to develop farm-based programming and connect approximately 90 children with land, food, and community.
Amy Frye (MA Resource Management and Environmental Studies, UBC) is starting her 3rd season as the Marketing Coordinator for the UBC Farm. She is responsible for selling all the fresh, tasty produce from the Farm's market garden. These sales represent the largest source of income from the Farm used to support academic programming on-site, and also provide important connections to the wider community.
Erika Mundel is a Masters student in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. She is currently doing her Master's research with the Urban Aboriginal Community Kitchen Garden Project at the UBC Farm, looking at the holistic health impacts of this project. She has been a steering committee member and volunteer with the project since September 2006.
Have a look at www.landfood.ubc.ca/ubcfarm to find out more.
Date: Sunday April 27th, 2008
Guest Speaker: Leanne McConnachie, Vancouver Humane Society
Topic: Chicken OUT! The Perils of Egg Production
The Director of Farm Animal Programs for the Vancouver Humane Society, Leanne McConnachie, joined us Sunday April 27th. Leanne discussed welfare reforms for animals raised in food production and the growing interest in promoting "humane production" in a non-vegan world. Leanne cited examples from the Vancouver Humane Society's efforts with ChickenOut! to reduce the cruel use of battery cages in Canada's egg industry.
Upon graduating from the University of Victoria in 1988 with a B.A. in Economics, Leanne pursued a business career in the information technology sector. In 2004, Leanne decided to combine her business skills with her passion for animals and pursue a new career path. She joined UBC's graduate program in Animal Welfare, completing her Master of Science degree in 2007. Prior to joining VHS in January 2008, Leanne was a consultant to various animal welfare organizations, assisting them in the areas of fundraising, marketing and strategic planning. Leanne also served as a Director and 2nd Vice President for the BC SPCA's volunteer Board of Directors from June 2005-June 2007.
Have a look at www.vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca & www.chickenout.ca to find out more.
Date: Saturday March 29th, 2008
Guest Speaker: Gary Anaka
Topic: BRAIN WELLNESS: The Secrets For Longevity
Are you experiencing brain fatigue? Memory going? Are you living and working in a multi-tasking environment? If so, you may be experiencing accelerated brain aging. Your brain may be burning out early. The exciting new field of Applied Educational Neuroscience has meaningful answers for everyone. This practical presentation provides information and techniques to make your life and job easier. Find out what a healthy brain needs and what brain killers to avoid. Gain the secrets of brain longevity to give you workable strategies for life long brain wellness. This energetic and lively session is filled with hope and optimism for your future. Find out how to use it before you lose it!
Gary Anaka is a recently retired learning specialist with 30 years of experience from Nanaimo, BC. He is a study skills expert, a brain gymnastics coach and he has been a Brain-Based Learning facilitator since 1996. Gary received his facilitator’s certification from the Jensen Learning Corporation of San Diego, California, a world-leading institute that trains professionals in the new field of Applied Educational Neuroscience. Gary has presented workshops to thousands of educators, professionals, and the general public. His sessions offer genuine practical help for everyone. He believes in wellness through education to support healthy living for people of all ages.
Check out Gary's website at www.braincoach.ca
Date: January 5, 2008
Time: 6:30pm
Location: SPEC Building, 2150 Maple St. (at 6th Ave.), Vancouver
Cost: Free to Earthsave members; $3 for non-members (everyone must bring a dish made with no animal products, so that everyone from omnivores to vegans can partake. Store bought food is acceptable.)
In her presentation "Eat Less Meat: the Coming International Campaign," Eleanor Boyle will outline the evidence for the significant contribution of meat-eating to climate change, and current initiatives in the U.K. and elsewhere to start a worldwide Eat Less Meat campaign. The event will be an opportunity for audience members to suggest ideas and strategies, and to talk about how each of us can get involved.
Eleanor Boyle is an educator, writer and activist in Vancouver. She has a BA in Psychology and a PhD in Neuroscience, and teaches at Capilano College. She is also working on a Master's in Food Policy, concentrating on understanding the effects of meat production on the environment, including on climate change. She feels passionately that climate-change discourse must be expanded to educate people about the importance of eating less meat.
Sunday December Holiday Potluck - Welcome to All!
Date: December 16, 2007
Time: 6:30pm
Location: SPEC Building, 2150 Maple St. (at 6th Ave.), Vancouver
Cost: Free to Earthsave members; $3 for non-members (everyone must bring a dish made with no animal products, so that everyone from omnivores to vegans can partake. Store bought food is acceptable.)
This December our Holiday Potluck will be hosted by Earthsave's 25 and Under Group but open to all! Come celebrate the holidays with Earthsave Canada at our last potluck of the year. Share your favourite festive holiday recipes with your Earthsave friends and sample others' yummy holiday treats!
Date: Sunday, October 28, 2007
Filmmaker, Jocelyn Demers will screen “Gardens of Destiny” which explores a variety of important issues related to diet, pollution and health. In the film we will meet Dan Jason, an organic gardener on Salt Spring Island. Jason is the head of the Seed and Plant Sanctuary for Canada, a network of Canadian gardeners working to preserve as much plant diversity as possible. “Gardens of Destiny” explores Dan's garden and seed world and investigates such issues as genetic engineering, terminator seeds and the pitfalls of industrial agriculture.
Potluck attendees are encouraged to bring vegan “snacks” with eight servings as opposed to full-meal items, for this “snack-luck” and movie screening!
Date: Sunday, August 26, 2007
Location:
Spanish Banks, rendezvousing at the Beach Cafe, for ease of finding each other.
Time: 5:00 pm until sunset. Please try to be on time so you can find us.
We chose Spanish Banks, because unlike Jericho and Kits, there is free parking. As of writing this, the long range forecast calls for high temperatures and sun for that day. Bring a beach chair or a blanket to share. We're hoping for a memorable end of summer gathering.