Paul McCartney, the legendary musician and co-founder of Meat-Free Monday, has a special surprise in store for his fans. McCartney recently announced a unique opportunity for one lucky fan and a friend to join him on the final show of his Got Back Tour in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Fans from around the world are likely eagerly awaiting the chance to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. But this is no ordinary giveaway—it is a fundraising initiative to support Meat-Free Monday, a cause close to McCartney’s heart.

“I’m heading back on tour with a very special announcement just for you,” McCartney says on the campaign page. “I’m adding one fan and a friend to my VIP guest list on the final show of my Got Back Tour in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. I’ll set you up with VIP tickets, access to the soundcheck, and to the meet-and-greet. It’s going to be great.”

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The lucky winners will not only get to witness McCartney’s final show of the year in Rio de Janeiro but also enjoy exclusive perks like soundcheck access, a merchandise package, roundtrip flights for two, and three nights of luxurious hotel accommodations.

However, the most significant aspect of this giveaway is the opportunity to make a difference. 

While you can enter the draw without making a donation, you also have the option to donate $10 or more, with all proceeds going to support Meat-Free Monday. 

The sweepstakes closes on December 3 and the winner will be drawn on December 4. 

What is Meat-Free Monday?

Launched by McCartney and his daughters Mary and Stella in 2009, Meat-Free Monday aims to encourage people to adopt a greener and healthier approach to eating.

Many of the world’s leading health organizations now encourage a reduction in the amount of meat people consume. The US Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that “appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.”

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A study carried out by Oxford University’s department of public health found that eating meat no more than three times a week could prevent 31,000 deaths from heart disease, 9,000 deaths from cancer and 5,000 deaths from stroke.

And when it comes to the environment, eating plant-based food could reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that livestock production is responsible for 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, while other organizations have estimated it could be as much as 51 percent. 

“Many of us feel helpless in the face of environmental challenges, and it can be hard to sort through all the advice and find what we can do to help make a cleaner and more sustainable world,” McCartney said. “One designated meat-free day is an easy change that everyone can make.” 

Since its launch, Meat Free Monday has evolved from a family initiative into a global movement. Thousands of people have embraced the idea, making it a weekly moment to reflect on their choices and contribute to a sustainable future. 

The McCartneys promote animal-free lifestyle

In addition to Meat-Free Monday, the McCartney family uses their individual voices to speak out about the benefits of a meatless lifestyle. Last year, Paul McCartney penned a letter to Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson asking him to finally drop the vegan milk surcharge before he retired. The letter was in support of a campaign to end the vegan milk surcharge at Starbucks organized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). 

“It recently came to my attention that Starbucks in the USA has an extra charge for plant-based milks as opposed to cow’s milk,” McCartney wrote in the letter. “I must say this surprised me as I understand that in other countries like [the] UK and India, there is the same charge for both types of milk and I would like to politely request that you consider this policy also in Starbucks USA.” 

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For her part, McCartney’s daughter Mary McCartney creates vegan food to entice people to try meat-free dishes. McCartney has shared her cooking tips and meat-free recipes as the host for the Discovery+ and Food Network cooking show Mary McCartney Serves It Up. And last year, she appeared on the Today show to share a few of her favorite vegan entertaining recipes for the holidays. 

And his other daughter, Stella McCartney shares messages about animal-free offerings through her eponymous fashion brand. Notably, she has partnered with major labels and retailers such as Adidas and Bloomingdale’s to create vegan versions of iconic products to show that animal materials are necessary. 

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