Pamela Anderson Encourages Vancouver Residents to Vote with Free Vegan Meals

Vegan actress and activist Pamela Anderson recently handed out free vegan meals to residents of Vancouver, British Columbia’s Downtown Eastside. The meal giveaway was part of an event hosted by The Green Party of Canada’s Vancouver East candidate and long-time vegan Bridget Burns to help area residents register to vote in the upcoming Canadian federal election. In a neighborhood that is synonymous with homelessness, drug addiction, and high crime rates, Anderson and Burns believe those most vulnerable should have their voice heard in a democracy. Those who registered were offered a meal of lentil curry with rice, vegan Greek salad, naan bread, and hummus and vegetables. “It was important for us to serve food that was in line with our own personal values,” Burns told VegNews. “It was fresh, healthy, hot, and nutritious—the type of food which is sadly not always available to vulnerable people living in this part of town. Folks seemed really pleased with the selection.” Burns first connected with Anderson over Twitter a few months ago, and they bonded over their shared dedication to veganism and animal-rights activism. Anderson—who was born in British Columbia—wanted to help Burns’ campaign, and they agreed the event would be a good way to help tackle some of the issues affecting vulnerable people in the Downtown Eastside. In recent years, Anderson has been outspoken about social, environmental, and animal-rights issues, including speaking out against dairy industry-backed government resolutions, urging the Louisiana prison system to serve vegan meals, and pushing Jackson, MS mayor Chokwe Lumumba to go vegan to set an example for the residents of Jackson—then known as the “Fattest City in America.”