We are feeling grateful for being a recipient of a $15,000 grant from The Rotary Club of Victoria-Harbourside.
This funding will serve as Farmbucks, a credit to help the FarmHub’s charity partners purchase fresh regional produce and feed their vulnerable communities. The loop between organizations and farmers directly helps to build food security in the CRD—farmers are supported by bulk purchases, and those who face barriers to access are connected to fresh, healthy food.
See the news in the Times Colonist! (Text transcribed below).
The Rotary Club of Victoria-Harbourside has donated $194,00 to fund community programs and projects at 22 charities in the region.
"It's our strongest year ever for supporting the community," said Angus Macpherson, club president. "In spite of the challenging times, the club has raised more money than ever via several methods.
"We had two successful raffles and also did well with a garage sale and selling roses. With the support of the business community, and, of course, those who bought raffle tickets or roses or great stuff at the garage sale, our fundraising far exceeded expectations.
Of the 22 charities, there were several new recipients, including the Victoria Community Food Hub Society.
They provide charitable organizations with Farmbucks, essentially credits that allow the charities to purchase food from the South Island FarmHub at a subsidized rate, making regional fresh produce accessible to vulnerable communities.
The farmers, in turn, are paid a fair price that supports a living wage.
"We are feeling big gratitude for being a recipient of a $15,000 grant from Harbourside Rotary Victoria," said Lauren Searle, general manager of the FarmHub. "The link between organizations and farmers directly helps to build food security in the CRD. Farmers are supported by bulk purchases and those who face barriers to access are connected to fresh, healthy food. We are so thankful that the Rotary is empowering the FarmHub to support both organizations and farmers in our region. The impact of this gift is huge."
Connect with the Rotary Club of Victoria-Harbourside and find out about all the good work they do to support our community on their website www.harboursiderotary.org.