PETA’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door 2013 contest is down to the wire, and 41-year-old Warwick Fire Department Lt. John Halloran could take home the grand prize. That’s because Halloran has beaten out more than 100 other entrants from across the U.S. to become one of 10 male contestants to advance to the final round. Two lucky winners (one male and one female) will each receive a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of HumaneTrip.com. Although the annual contest dates back to 2004, this is the first year that participants must be vegan.
“Going vegan can help make you feel better on the inside, look better on the outside, and save more than 100 animals a year from the violence of factory farms, slaughterhouses, and fishing nets,” says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. “On average, vegans are fitter and trimmer than meat-eaters are, and that makes them sexier, too.”
Halloran went vegan at his doctor’s suggestion in an effort to fight his family’s history of heart disease—and he says the change was tremendous. “My cholesterol level dropped considerably to a level of 141 and continues to remain at a healthy level. I feel as good as I’ve ever felt in my life. I will never go back! It was the best decision I made for animals, myself, my conscience, my family, and my community at all once.” He’s inspired his wife and three children to move toward a more plant-based diet and even influenced a few other firefighters—particularly those concerned about their high cholesterol—to go vegan or eat more vegan food, thanks in part to the delicious and healthy vegan meals that Halloran serves at the fire station.
Voting for the finalists to help PETA determine the winners ends at 12 noon EDT on May 3. PETA will select winners based on several factors, including vote count. See full contest details here. Winners will be notified and announced by May 9.
For more information and to cast your vote, please click here.
