Ponoka branch of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank is looking forward to surpassing the $40,000 they raised last year in grain sales with a view to increasing the money they donate to the fight against hunger.
The figure raised is not the usual amount members are used to seeing, explained Larry Henderson, a director with the Ponoka branch. He said the lower exchange rate for Canadian dollar and increased costs have put them behind a little.
“We think our yields are down, because it could have been a fungus problem,” said Henderson.
The Canadian Foodgrains Bank raises money and food for nations across the world that have hunger issues and the federal government matches the grant money raised by a factor of four to one, up to a certain amount. Henderson says that support and help from many community members in Ponoka have contributed to the success of Ponoka branch in the past.
“Our donations are really appreciated by everybody,” said Henderson.
Anyone wishing to give a hand to the project can designate church donations to the Ponoka Foodgrains Project or they can send cheques to Henderson or Peter Doornenbal. For more information call Henderson at 403-782-5218.