Get Pickers From HRDC

To the Valley Orchardists:

Am I correct in hearing that the valley's orchardists are short on pickers? If that is so, maybe they could go to Human Resources instead of the employment centre to search for pickers. I'm sure that a lot of the people that are collecting welfare and are searching for a job would love to pick fruit for their paycheck from the government. And if daycare is a problem, maybe the government could offer them a daycare subsidy so their children are at a decent daycare while they are working picking fruit.

This would take a lot of pressure off the system and the orchardists. Fruit would make it to the packing houses quickly and on time without over-ripening on the tree and lowering the prices and quality of the fruit. To me this is a win-win situation where everyone benefits. The people learn how to get back into the workforce and develop that very important work ethic. There is nothing better than working and getting that paycheck that you worked hard for which that in itself has a huge benefit... self-esteem goes way up making searching for a job after picking season a little bit easier. That's my opinion coming from a valley resident of 30 years.

- G.B.