Recent News
Results from 2006 Campaign
18 September 2006
Filed Under: Rice Raiser
The Rice Raiser 2006 has been a great campaign! This first year, the focus was primarily in Abbotsford, where nine schools participated. In addition to that, three schools from the Vancouver area and a school from Langley contributed!
“What a wonderful response to a first year campaign.” says Director, Lorri Sawatsky “This demonstrates the concern many people have over global hunger and how eager they are to help make change happen. This year’s response is a fantastic foundation upon which we can build as we endeavour to see the Rice Raiser develop into a nation wide campaign that involves Canadians throughout the country. Thank you to each person who contributed.”
The results of rice collected in Abbotsford alone was :
6,000 kilograms (estimated value: $9,000)!
What 6000 kilograms of rice means to Abbotsford:
Dave Murray, Abbotsford Food Bank Director says,
“I cannot begin to tell you how much we appreciate the rice we have received from the Rice Raiser. When you are helping feed over 3,000 people every month in Abbotsford every single donation is needed. A nutritious staple such as rice is an extremely valuable commodity. Not only will it help our regular clientele it will help us feed special programs for pregnant teens and HIV positive clients.”
What happens to the money?
And the total of all the money donated to be sent to developing countries:
Over $ 8,600.00 !
To try to understand what this $8,000 can do in the four countries selected for this year’s global food projects:
In Zambia, in the village of Kapululu, 192 families (average of 8 people per family) received a 55 lb. bag of maize (corn meal) which will help them survive without going hungry until the next harvest (May/June). Total number of people affected by Rice Raiser funds: 1,536 people. Thanks to Hungry For Life’s partners in Zambia for overseeing the distribution.
Villager dances for joy to receive a 25 kg. bag of maize for his family.
In Colombia, where women and children have fled to large cities for refuge from rebel uprisings, the Women Dream Builders will be able to provide meals for 200 women and children for about 2 ½ months through their community soup kitchen! Thanks to our partners, the Mennonite Central Committee for oveseeing this project.
Feeding the children
In Pakistan, where many families are still struggling with emergency survival food needs, 25 families (average of 7 people per family = 175 people) have received packets of a month’s supply of food via our partners, the Mennonite Central Committee.
Preparing dinner in earthquake devastated Pakistan
In Guatemala, the fields that were damaged by hurricane Stan will once again be tilled and seed will be planted to provide for sub-existent farmers and their families. Two types of bean seeds, some pea seeds and some fertilizer were given to 738 familes. They also received some farming training. Total number of people who benefited from the Rice Raiser funds: 3,690. Thanks to Cause Canada and their partners in Guatemala for overseeing the purchase and distribution.
Farmers receiving seeds and fertilizer.
This break down gives us an idea of how many people in four different countries will be directly impacted through food and the means of producing food. That’s not to mention the families in Abbotsford, Langley and Vancouver who will receive the rice from the food bank. Thanks to everyone who contributed!