Olympian Meagan Duhamel Says Canadian Uniforms Need to Stay Fur-Free
Canadian figure skater Meagan Duhamel is an Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medalist, and she holds two world championship titles as well as seven Canadian national titles. But her accomplishment that we’re most impressed by is her life off the ice.
A proud vegan and devoted mom to two adorable adopted dogs, Duhamel is now advocating for animals who are abused and killed for their fur. The Canadian Olympic team uniforms have been fur-free since 1972 and were completely vegan for the 2018 Winter Olympics. But recently, the Canadian government has been pressured to use animals’ fur in Team Canada’s 2022 Olympic uniforms.
Canada’s most accomplished athletes should be draping themselves in gold, silver, and bronze—not in the skin of dead animals. In a letter to the president of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Duhamel writes, “There is no need—or excuse—for using animal fur on Team Canada’s uniforms.” She also highlights the harmful impact that the fur industry has on the environment. Studies show that producing a fur coat and trim can be three to 10 times more harmful to the planet than making them from faux fur.
Canada is a forward-thinking, compassionate country. Please, ensure that our Olympians’ uniforms reflect this when the athletes take the world stage at Beijing 2022 by making them fur-free.
Animals on fur farms are forced to live inside cramped wire cages, and some even resort to self-mutilation. They are then killed using violent and painful methods, including gassing, poisoning, neck-breaking, and anal electrocution. Even something as small as a fur pompom comes at a price.
Duhamel hung up her competitive skates in April 2018 and now uses her influence to speak up for animals. She encourages her followers to #AdoptDontShop on her popular Instagram account and is a dedicated vegan, sharing her favorite plant-based recipes and health tips.
Read Duhamel’s full letter to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Team Canada’s Olympic uniforms have been fur-free for decades, and we’re trying to keep them that way. But you know which brand still isn’t fur-free? Canada Goose.
