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. 

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.

Towards Ahimsa had the opportunity to experience the amazing work done by the Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary in Lakeside, Ontario.  After a day of meeting the animals, hard labour, and laughs, we all sat for a wonderful Potlatch meal.  We thank Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary for the opportunity.