By Jasmine Franklin
By donating an animal, hay or cash, anyone can help the Canadian Foodgrains Bank solve world hunger.
For the ninth year, the foodgrains bank will host its annual beef and dairy fundraising sale at Ponoka’s Vold, Jones & Vold auction market, March 24 at 1 p.m.
“The money we raise really touches a broad base of people,” said Larry Henderson, foodgrains bank committee member. “Last year’s fundraiser was great for us and we are really looking forward to this year’s.”
Last year the organization raised $58,000 from the event; all money goes toward feeding the hungry in the 31 countries they aid.
Participants will receive tax receipts and are encouraged to donate dairy animals such as breeding bulls, springing heifers, bred and open heifers, calves, cull cows and beef animals such as bred cows, feeder cattle, bulls, calves and cull cows.
Round and square hay bales are also accepted, along with cash donations, and Henderson said free coffee and donuts will be provided.
Through a partnership of 15 Canadian churches and church-based agencies, the organization works to end world hunger by raising money to feed others in countries such as Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Sudan and the Congo. For the 2008/2009 year, $12.4 million was donated by Canadians, a $4-million increase from the previous year. The federal government supports the program by providing a 4:1 match. Therefore, a $1 donation becomes a $5 donation.
Foodgrains bank was given a $5-million increase by the federal government for their core funding, from $20 to $25 million.
Approximately 40,683 tonnes of food aid and seeds were delivered overseas to help aid about 2.1 million people last year.
For more information on the fundraiser, contact Arnie Tenbrinke at (403) 318-7503. Donations will also be accepted at the sale. Additional information on the foodgrains bank can be found at www.foodgrainsbank.ca