Kelowna

The BC Fruit Growers' Association (BCFGA) has raised $4,530 in donations for a World Vision Group Campaign to provide fruit trees to developing countries.

“The recent economic downturn has caused many fruit growers to look inward at our own finances and to be increasingly concerned about our economic future. However, we count our blessings too – abundant food, a safe, secure country, and the ability to get ahead with hard work and determination," says BCFGA President, Joe Sardinha.

"In these times, charity to underdeveloped countries becomes even more important – rural people in developing countries are the poorest in the world. They do not have the alternatives we are fortunate to have in Canada.

The BCFGA developed the group fund raising effort through World Vision.

The Executive also decided that its members needed to lead this charitable giving. Therefore, the BCFGA matched donations.

“We consider the campaign a success, providing help for the impoverished rural areas of the world. Thanks to all of the growers and also the ‘urban farmers’ who contributed to this campaign – your gift will help many families establish their farms and have a brighter future."

The BC Fruit Growers’ Association represents the 805 commercial orchards in BC, with a mandate “to foster a business environment for the long-term prosperity of BC tree fruit growers”.

The BC tree fruit industry generates over $130 million in fresh fruit sales annually at the wholesale level.