A group of Ponoka-area residents is seeking nearby land to continue farming a crop to help end world hunger.
For the past 20 years, the group has come together to plant, tend and harvest a crop that benefits others around the world. Once sold, the group donates the proceeds from the crop to Canadian Foodgrains Bank for its work in ending world hunger.
They are known as the Ponoka Community growing project. The project is made possible through the effort of farmers, local business people, individuals and churches.
“I became involved in the Ponoka project a couple years ago because I was drawn by the work of Canadian Foodgrains Bank,” says Beth Weleschuk, treasurer of the group. “I like the diversity of their projects around the world.”
This year, Weleschuk and other members of the project are asking for help. After 20 years of growing crops with the same land rental, they are now faced with finding new land to use.
“We are looking for someone to allow us to keep our commitment to providing to those in the world who benefit from the work of the Foodgrains Bank and their members,” says Weleschuk.
Just last year, the Ponoka growing project raised over $80,000 by farming and selling a crop of wheat.
Weleschuk and other project members hope someone will come forward with available land for them to continue making an impact on the lives of hungry people overseas.
“To anyone who can offer land, I would say thank you!” says Weleschuk. “Thank you for ensuring that we continue to help those who are less fortunate than us.”
For more information or to discuss available land, contact Peter Doornebal at 403-783-2947 or Hank Schuur at 403-783-7558.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 churches and church agencies working together to end global hunger. In the 2016-17 budget year, the Foodgrains Bank provided over $41 million of assistance to over 900,000 people in 35 countries.