Catholic Saskatoon News
Grow Hope Saskatchewan, a joint project of MCC Saskatchewan and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. recently announced the official launch of the Grow Hope Saskatchewan growing season.
For two years, farmers, donors and advocates have walked alongside Grow Hope Saskatchewan to help feed people around the world, with proceeds going to Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Grow Hope offers an opportunity to be a “virtual” farmer by sponsoring an acre of Saskatchewan farm land. This year, those who sponsor an acre before June 30, 2020 will receive a packet of flax seed (courtesy of SaskFlax) to grow from home.
“This year the need is especially pronounced as the UN World Food Program has brought to our attention that many more people will face food shortages during the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said Myron Rogal of the diocesan Justice and Peace Office.
“Donating to Grow Hope is far from a passive action, it turns donors into stakeholders as they invest in their own food security and that of those in greatest need,” said Rogal.
Visit www.growhopesk.ca for more information or to sponsor an acre, a partial acre, or more. You can also find information about this year’s farmers, including Michelle and Brian Hergott of Bruno, SK.
Brian and Michelle Hergott have been farming in the Bruno area since 1983. They have committed acres to Grow Hope Saskatchewan for a second consecutive year. When asked why they wanted to become involved they responded: “Grow Hope is really an answered prayer. For years we have expressed a desire to help others and we are farmers. So our biggest opportunity and gift to give is by farming. In our eyes it is a ‘win-win’ opportunity!”
Related: Grow Hope partnerships are helping to feed hungry people around the world
How it works: Generous farmers in Saskatchewan have donated land and agreed to grow a crop for Grow Hope Saskatchewan. It costs $300 per acre to provide seed, fertilizer, fuel and other inputs. You are invited to sponsor a partial acre, full acre or multiple acres to help cover these costs. After harvest, the farmers will sell the crop and donate the proceeds to Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
The proceeds from the sale of the crop can be as much as $500 per acre. The government of Canada matches funds up to 4:1, creating a total contribution of up to $762,500 on 305 acres. In other words, a donation of $300 can grow in value up to $500, and then be matched up to $2,500 per acre.
During the growing season, sponsors will receive field updates along with resources to help you learn more about farming and hunger in the developing world or follow Grow Hope Saskatchewan on Facebook.
For more information, please contact Myron Rogal, coordinator of Justice and Peace in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon at mrogal@rcdos.ca.