Ben

 

I became vegan eight years ago. I’ve always loved animals. After watching Earthlings and any other ethical, environmental and health documentaries and reading any book I could find about the benefits of veganism, I knew I could never go back. I wish I was born vegan. I have way more energy, focus and drive than ever before. I feel like I’m getting younger every year.

 

I’m an activist because I couldn’t sit by while the world crumbled around me. I have to do what I can with the means I have available to help those who cannot help themselves. I go to any demonstration I can and have been for a couple of years now.

 

It makes me feel great to know that less animals will be raped, murdered, kept in cages and eaten while more vegan restaurants, cafes and other vegan businesses are created. It’s also nice to speak to strangers and have them genuinely thank you for your time and information. We routinely see passers-by showing solidarity by giving us the thumbs up, high fives, hugging us, taking photos of or with us and thinking us for what we are doing. I don’t really have a ‘most fulfilling moment’- every time someone says they will go vegan it feels pretty great.

 

Veganism is getting more popular in the Illawarra. People usually respond to our demonstrations with sadness, anger at what’s happening on the screens, or happiness and hopefulness that people are trying to put a stop to animal exploitation.

 

To all non-vegans, if you can live a happy, healthy life without causing unnecessary pain and suffering to innocent beings, why wouldn’t you?

 

To all vegans, if you haven’t already, please join us in any activism you can. We can speed up the inevitable evolution to a vegan world.