TA directors and volunteers had the pleasure of volunteering at the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank to build community and learn from others who follow vegetarianism. It was a unique and compassionate approach to food security right in our backyard! To volunteer or learn more about the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank, please visit their website at: http://tvfb.ca/.

1 in every 10 Canadians live in poverty, unable to meet their basic needs such as having clean, warm clothing. As of 2015 there is no national plan to fight the war against poverty. We are the youth of the Jain community as well as the leaders in training from Towards Ahimsa and we feel obligated to be on the front lines of this conflict. Our solution is to help provide clothing for these families in need by having a clothing drive. This Paryushan, (September 9 - September 18, 2015), we collected gently used clothing at JSOT Derasar and Shri Jain Mandir. Our goal was to collect 100 lbs of clothing. With your outstanding support we were able to gather over 360 lbs!!! All the clothes that we collect were donated to the Salvation Army, a reputable organization that reaches millions across Canada.We would like to thank JSOT and Shri Jain Mandir for their support and cooperation in planning and executing this clothing drive.  Thank you for helping us make a difference. 

In this session, participants learned from sharing with one another.  Participants were led through trust games and invited to share personal stories to learn from one another.  The Jain principles of Anekantavada and Aparigraha were explored in connection with mental & financial health.  Participants left with journal writing homework and potential skills they could use to encourage Ahimsa in their own home.Focus: Jain Society of Toronto, Women’s GroupMarch 28, 2012 at 1:30-4:30pmLocation: Jain Society of Toronto, 48 Rosemeade Ave, Etobicoke

In the Food for Thought workshop, participants will begin to develop a deeper understanding of the environment, which is responsible and sustainable; consider the reasons to become vegetarian or vegan; explore what it means to be a youth in today's society with extended internal and external pressures; discuss wellness of the mind and body; and understand the importance of social engagement.This workshop focuses on applying the Jain concepts of Ahimsa and Aparigraha to daily living through an understanding of where our food comes from to what we are putting into our bodies.Focus Age: 7-16 years April 11, 2015 at 1-4pm Location: Jain Society of Toronto, 48 Rosemeade Ave, Etobicoke

This cooking class involved teaching participants how to prepare scrumptuous versions of classical Indian desserts without using dairy products.

This was a hands-on group project to take the concepts of Ahimsa and Interconnectedness into practice.  It was led by the Towards Ahimsa Leaders in Training (LIT) group.  We supported each other and had fun while making a positive change to our environment.