FOR many people who choose not to eat meat, fish and dairy, animal welfare is the key issue.

Some go further than avoiding animal products, and actively campaign on animal welfare issues. One such is Miranda Elliott, a Brit living in France, who set up the Big V Sanctuary where she lives and offers a home to all sorts of domestic and farm animals – in fact, she has between 50 and 70 to care for most of the time.

The Swindon area has a lively community of plant-eaters and a variety of venues offering vegan options or even vegan nights. One such is Oriental Aroma in Royal Wootton Bassett, where owner James Huynh regularly hosts a vegan event, serving all sorts of tasty Chinese food. Now he’s also hosting a special Big V Sanctuary Fund Raising Event – and paying for Miranda Elliott to fly from France to be Guest of Honour at the event.

Kimberley Brewser, of the Swindon and Wiltshire Vegan Group which is organising the event, said they were keen to support Miranda’s sanctuary, which is based near Chateauponsac, near Limoges in central France.

“Miranda wants to create a peaceful world for all living beings, based on justice and respect,” Kimberley told me. “She rescues farm animals and companion animals, takes care of them, sometimes finds safe homes for them. One day she hopes to open a restaurant where people can eat plant-based foods, and to advance veganism.”

The fundraiser is taking place on Sunday June 3 in the restaurant at 50 High Street. From 12.30pm to 5pm there will be a bring and buy sale, kids play zone with face painting and a treasure hunt, a natural crafts workshop, vegan cake stall and tombola. Vegan hair stylist Kelly of Pixal-Rose Hair Design is running a workshop from 1-3pm (costing £15 in advance), with a dance performance at 3pm and kids’ disco from 4pm.

The main event, however, is a three-course vegan meal from 7pm, at which Miranda will give a talk about her work. The evening will also include a raffle, live auction and music till late. I’ve attended one of the vegan nights at Oriental Aroma and I can guarantee you will not go hungry – James Huynh lays on a veritable feast of plant-based food, with lots of vegan alternatives to your Chinese restaurant favourites. And you’ll be eating in a good cause too. Contact James on 01793 854545 for advance tickets.