BONNYVILLE – A group of Bonnyville-area farmers known as the Northeast Growing Project has been making a difference in the lives of people living in poverty-stricken areas around the world for about 25 years.
Their mission is to grow crops to sell, then donate the money to the Canadian Food Grains Bank, which provides food to millions of people in need, including those affected by drought and famine.
The chairman of the project, Terry Shenher, explains that in Canada the capability “to grow a crop, get it harvested, sell it, and use the money to be able to buy food for [those in need],” exists.
In some parts of Africa, “they've had about four or five years of severe drought... so their animals have no pasture,” says Shenher. “Every day there are people starving to death, so the Canadian Food Grains Bank is over there trying to keep as many people going as they can.”
“It gives people dignity and humanity,” Shenher says, adding, Canada’s Food Growing Projects and the Canadian Food Grains Bank’s mission “is a very worthwhile cause.”
The Canadian Food Grains Bank also provides training and education about farming and self-sufficiency to those in need. “That's the best hope that there is, along with some funds to be able to keep them going and help them get water wells and these types of things,” says Shenher.
Farmers in the Northeast Growing Project volunteer their time and equipment to grow and harvest crops. In addition, the project also receives donations from companies and suppliers to help reduce input costs, allowing more money to be sent to the Canadian Food Grains Bank.
The group also works with pastors and churches to promote the project.
The project has raised $775,000 since it was formed around 25 years ago – which has been matched four times by the federal government, for a total of roughly $3 million.
Last year, between fundraising and crop sales, the group sent $72,000 to the Canadian Food Grains Bank - or around $288,000 with federal matching funding considered. Shenher said that for every $100 donated, a family of five can be fed for three months.
Silver Shovel Auction
Other fundraising efforts by the local project include the Silver Shovel Auction. The highest bidder's name – which could be a business, farmer, or individual – is engraved on the shovel, which is then put on display for the year.
Unlike previous years, the project no longer does a live auction, but instead has a silent bid taking place. The shovel is currently displayed at the Lakeland Credit Union until the end of the month.
The 2023 auction will end on April 30, and parties interested in participating in the auction can contact Shenher at 780-573-5916.
Local community
In addition to supporting people in developing countries, the Northeast Growing Project also helps people in need in their own community, says Shenher. The group uses some of the money raised to provide food hampers at Christmas, for example.
Shenher emphasizes that the project helps people no matter their creed. “There is no division.”
Reflecting on the project's two decades of history, Shenher is grateful for the support the project has received from the community.
“I would like to sincerely thank all of the farmers and all of the businesses that have helped us all along in the past 25 years,” says Shenher. “I look forward to dealing and working with them in the future. Without their support, it wouldn't work.”
