On June 14, while PETA President Ingrid Newkirk was in Vancouver giving a talk titled “We Are All Animals!” at the Vancouver Rowing Club, she presented two special awards. A Compassionate Activist Award went to Erin Ireland, a food reporter, entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, mother of a vegan baby, and the creator of a gorgeous website called “To Die For—Vancouver,” which makes it easy to find mouthwatering vegan treats in cafés all over the city.

As Ingrid told the packed house of some 150 guests, Erin sings the praises of vegan eating to millions of people via magazine articles, television appearances, TEDx events, and Instagram. (Her account has even made PETA’s list of “Vegan Instagram Accounts You Need to Follow Right Now.”) Erin’s avid social media followers devour her recipes and cooking tips, while also learning about the cruelty of factory farming and other industries that abuse animals.

Then there are Zach Berman and Ryan Slater, the owners of The Juice Truck, which received PETA’s Compassionate Business Award at the event. The iconic pink truck, which offers smoothies, juices, and hearty, healthy meals and desserts, hasn’t stopped rolling since it hit the streets seven years ago. Zach and Ryan, best friends since grade school, who were inspired by the juice carts that they frequented while backpacking in Nepal and India, were the first to bring cold-pressed juice to thirsty Vancouverites. Now, they also have three storefronts and a smoothie cart, in addition to The Juice Truck.

They also co-host vegan pop-up dinners, hold community events for moms to get together and talk, and open their doors for meetings, exercise classes, you name it.

PETA was pleased to recognize Erin and the fellas behind The Juice Truck for promoting a healthy, humane vegan lifestyle. Do you also help animals and inspire humans to make compassionate choices? Maybe we’ll have the pleasure of recognizing you or your business one day!