Million Dollar Vegan
Will Pope Francis try vegan this Lent?
Posted on February 26, 2019 by Sally Thompson
About the campaign
Million Dollar Vegan is a campaign seeking to raise awareness for some of the world’s most pressing issues by engaging with world leaders, institutions, and individuals to inspire positive dietary change. From the founders of the internationally successful Veganuary campaign, Million Dollar Vegan aims to “inspire people to make more conscious, sustainable and benevolent choices, to turn their attention to the abundance of plant-based foods available to them, and to adopt a plant-based diet.”
Animal agriculture has devastating effects worldwide. From climate change and mass animal suffering to human diseases connected to dietary choices, the need for change is more urgent now than ever.
Launched in February 2019 and spanning 15 countries, Million Dollar Vegan is working to effect change on an international level. The first phase of the campaign, headed by 12-year-old animal activist Genesis Butler, is designed to encourage the Pope — and others — to try vegan for Lent.
Why Pope Francis?
Pope Francis has spoken extensively about humanity’s irresponsible use of the Earth’s finite resources and the urgent challenges we face if we are to be successful in protecting the planet for future generations. As Matthew Glover, CEO of Million Dollar Vegan, stated:
Meat is a humanitarian issue; it’s a sustainability issue and it’s a compassion issue. Most of all, it’s a desperately urgent issue. … We have deep respect for Pope Francis’s message that we must change our behaviours for the good of our planet — and we hope that he will be receptive to our own compassionate message, too. Our sincere wish is that he will go vegan for Lent and encourage others to do the same, and we would be delighted if he accepted the $1 million for the charity of his choice. By taking part, he would have a huge and positive impact across the world.
—Matthew Glover
Effecting change worldwide
In addition to reaching out to high-profile figures, Million Dollar Vegan aims to inspire behavior change among its entire global following through a free online health & nutrition guide. While influential leaders play a crucial role in igniting change on a large scale, we all have the power to make a positive impact with our daily choices.
During February, the campaign collaborated with local vegan advocates in four major international cities — Sydney, London, Toronto, and Los Angeles — to launch video billboards displaying an Animal Kill Clock. In London, social media influencers Joey Carbstrong and Earthling Ed teamed up with the campaign to engage with members of the public about going vegan.
Less than one month since launching, Million Dollar Vegan is already creating waves across the world! Backed by a host of scientists, environmentalists, doctors, influencers, and celebrities, the campaign is quickly gaining traction through extensive media coverage that’s reaching mainstream audiences.
On February 20th, after a formal invite by Father Paweł Ptasznik, Genesis Butler was invited inside the Vatican to deliver her message to Pope Francis, which included a petition that has now been signed by more than 75,000 campaign supporters! According to Million Dollar Vegan’s updates, the Pope is considering the plea to go vegan for Lent.
We look forward to seeing more from Million Dollar Vegan! Will you help Million Dollar Vegan achieve their mission?
Update: Ultimately, Pope Francis did not accept the challenge to go vegan during Lent. Million Dollar Vegan had intended to donate one million dollars to a charity of Pope Francis’ choice had he accepted the challenge. Instead, they donated 100,000 USD to vegan humanitarian aid organization Chilis on Wheels to help survivors of Hurricane Maria and set up a permanent community center.