| Volunteer Spotlight: Yvonne LeGrice |
| June 23, 2010 |
Yvonne LeGrice is an inspiration and an instrumental player in spreading compassion all around the area. She recently coordinated a successful "Outreach for Animals" leafleting week, and is co-coordinating the upcoming "Race for the Animals" on July 10. We are so grateful for all that she does. Thanks, Yvonne!
How long have you been veg and why?
I became vegetarian in the early 90s after living in Japan and becoming interested in Buddhism with its emphasis on cultivating compassion for all sentient beings. Then back in the U.S., one day by chance I saw a copy of Peter Singer's book Animal Liberation in the local library. Intrigued (liberated from what, I wondered), I read it, learned about the horrors of factory farming and animal testing and immediately went vegan. That was in 1996, and I’ve been vegan ever since.
What’s on your dinner plate?
Something that was pressure cooked, I’m sure! I’m a total pressure cooking evangelist and turn out a steady stream of homemade soups that cook in 10 minutes and risottos that take five minutes (no stirring required!), along with other bean, grain, and veggie dishes that cook in no time flat. I use my pressure cooker almost every day. I’m hoping to be able to teach a class on pressure cooking for NW VEG one day if I ever find the time.
How has being veg impacted your life?
Being veg has made me take off the blinders to the suffering of other beings that we share this planet with and to question the norm more and more. As a result, I’ve tried to live a more meaningful life by trying to avoid consumerism as much as possible; donating to charities working to reduce suffering; and spending as much time as I can volunteering to help animals. I have a very long way to go, but becoming veg was the starting point for me on this path.
What has been your most memorable NW VEG volunteer experience?
I’ve been fortunate to be involved in a variety of NW VEG volunteer activities, and while they have all been great, I have to say that meeting the other NW VEG volunteers has been the best part. I’ve met some great friends and been inspired to explore new forms of activism by them. I have to especially thank Jessica Dadds and Emily Pepe for introducing me to leafleting. I’ve found there’s no better way to get people to consider veganism than by directly giving them information on factory farming and alternatives to the standard American diet. Feel free to contact me if you want to get involved in leafleting.
What is something about you people should know?
I’m married to a wonderful person, David, who became vegan after we met. We share our home with cats and always seem to have a foster cat or two (or more!) in the house. It’s also great when I can find the time to garden, run, play piano, and hang out with friends.
Note: There are actually 3 kittens in Yvonne's photo. The little solid black one was hiding.
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