![]() Toronto Vegetarian AssociationFounded in 1945, the Toronto Vegetarian Association is a volunteer-driven charitable organization governed by an elected board of directors. Our Staff
 David Alexander
Executive Director p 416-544-9800 f 416-544-9094
email As Executive Director, David is the senior staff person at the Toronto Vegetarian Association. In this leadership role, David is responsible for operational planning & management at TVA. David has given public presentations and interviews with media including The Toronto Star, CBC Radio, CTV, and Global TV on the health and environmental benefits of vegetarian eating, how to transition to a vegetarian diet, Meatless Mondays, and the evolution of Toronto's vegetarian business community. David's essay "The Tofu Revolution: Toronto's Vegetarians from 1945 to 2009 and Beyond" appears in The Editble City, published by Coach House Books. Since joining the Toronto Vegetarian Association in 2006, David has worked with TVA's passionate volunteers and staff to introduce creative new projects such as the Tofu Haiku poetry contest, Veggielicious, the Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-off and more. He also works with the organization's board and committees on fundraising, communications, financial management, and board governance. David's work enabled the association to meet the goals of a three-year Trillium Foundation grant for volunteer program development and has led the organization to be recognized as a finalist for a Green Toronto Award for Environmental Awareness in 2011. Also in 2011, David successfully ran a half-marathon to raise funds for TVA. Prior to joining the Toronto Vegetarian Association, David was involved as a student rabble-rouser at Wilfrid Laurier University where he helped to found the Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group.  Barbi Lazarus
Donor and Volunteer Resources Coordinator
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email As Donor and Volunteer Resources Coordinator, Barbi is responsible for maintaining and enhancing communications and relations with TVA's dedicated donors and volunteers. In this role, she edits TVA's electronic newsletter, eLifelines, and leads the TVA Volunteer Appreciation Team. She is also responsible for ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of the TVA office, always keeping everything, and everyone organized and up to date. Barbi graduated from York University, where she helped the York Animal Rights Group to introduce a Vegetarian and Vegan Directory for the Keele Campus. She has served as a dedicated member of community groups in her hometown of Thornhill, such as the Pomona Mills Park Conservationists and the Thornhill Historic Society. She is also a resident volunteer on the Markham Animal Care Committee. Having worked as a Resource Centre Assistant for York University's geography department, a Library Assistant for the Ministry of the Environment, and a receptionist at the Zodiac Swim School and Family Centre, she brings to the TVA a strong sense for organization, and a desire to please and assist others. Luke Albert
Festival & Events Coordinator
p 416-544-9800 f 416-544-9094
email As Festival & Events Coordinator, Luke is responsible for planning the 27th Annual Vegetarian Food Festival in Toronto. Luke will also be planning the 2nd Annual Compassion Week events at TVA. A member of the Toronto Vegetarian Association since 2009 and Resource Centre Volunteer, Luke is currently attending University of Toronto at the St. George Campus in his second year majoring in Equity and Book and Media Studies. Originally from the village of Mildmay, Luke has volunteered at his local Peace Café, the White Rose Coffeehouse, where he assisted in planning Global Awareness events for the local community and schools. He is the Graphic Designer for Continental Rescue Africa, an NGO in Toronto dedicated to youth and gender empowerment in Ghana. He is also the Environmental Motivator for the TD Canada Trust Go Green Challenge. Formerly a Peer Leader at Grey-Bruce Public Health, Luke engages with youth as an advocate against the tobacco industry and for vegetarianism. He looks forward to bringing his compassion for animals and helping others to the TVA. Bianca Torchia
Festival & Directory Assistant
p 416-544-9800 f 416-544-9094
email As Festival & Directory Assistant, Bianca is responsible for assisting in the production of Toronto's 2011 Vegetarian Food Festival and the 2011 Vegetarian Directory. Bianca is currently attending the University of Victoria, pursuing an Honours in Philosophy, with a minor in Applied Ethics. Bianca's interest in philosophy began after being introduced to the work of Peter Singer (Animal Liberation, 1975), which peaked her interest in exploring the relationship between morality and motivation. Bianca is currently researching topics in philosophy of law and international law, such as the role of credibility in the Canadian Immigration Appeals process. Though Bianca is new to the Toronto Vegetarian Association, she is excited to bring her enthusiasm and drive to help inspire people to choose a healthier, greener and more peaceful lifestyle.
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