NCVA Volunteers

Ron St. Louis, Web Manager

Ron St. Louis is not only the NCVA’s web guy, but also assists with the NCVA’s various activities and efforts no matter what they are.

Several years ago, Ron became increasingly aware of the correlation between what people eat every day and the health of the planet. He learned the facts about how eating meat contributes to land degradation, air pollution, water shortages and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. He quickly realized that for those concerned about our environment, reducing meat consumption is as fundamental as reducing car use or being a conscientious recycler.

As Ron started researching vegetarianism more he was also shocked to learn about modern farming practices. He was particularly disturbed by about how factory farmed animals are raised and what those practices are doing to our planet. He decided he could no longer support the factory farming industry. “People have lost their connection to food and the land. I firmly believe that every dollar is a vote and this is something that I refuse to support.”

Ron is the father of two beautiful rescued bunny rabbits, Pellet and Betty! If you have any questions or concerns about the website, Ron appreciates your feedback. Email ncva.avcn(at)gmail.com.

Michelle Caron, Events Volunteer

Michelle has been a vegetarian since 1994, an animal welfare advocate since 1995 and a vegan since 2010. Michelle has worked with abandoned animals in both Canada and in the Middle East, and brought three feral cats she adopted in the Middle East back to Canada.

Michelle became a vegetarian the day she discovered the devastating consequences of eating meat. The livestock sector is a leading contributor to climate change, reduction of biodiversity, land degradation, sedimentation of coastal areas, water pollution, degradation of coral reefs and deforestation (70 per cent of the Amazon rainforest has been clear cut for use as cow pastures).

As someone who is committed to a cruelty-free lifestyle, Michelle does not support the livestock industry. “My hope is that most people will refuse meat if they truly understand the animal suffering they are supporting by buying it and the environmental destruction it causes,” she says.

As a health conscious individual, Michelle is excited about the numerous health benefits of the vegetarian and vegan diets, including living years longer.

Michelle is grateful for the sense of belonging she feels as a member of the NCVA. “It’s very hard for me to keep my spirits up while our planet is being destroyed and animals are being tortured. The NCVA reminds me that I’m not alone,” Michelle says.

Raphael Morin, Events Volunteer

“Animal welfare, environmental stewardship and a healthy lifestyle are the three main reasons why I am so proud to be a vegetarian. Although I used to love eating hamburgers and chicken shawarmas, I made the choice to stop eating meat when I learned the detrimental effects of my actions. Becoming a vegetarian felt like relieving a burden I had been carrying all my life. I am proud to be a member of the NCVA, because this community gives me hope for a better future.”

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