Choir singers from Vernon’s Trinity and Armstrong’s Zion United churches are coming together April 28 to sing in support of small-scale farmers in developing countries who struggle to grow enough food to feed their families.
Funds raised will be donated to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to be used in the work of ending global hunger and helping farm families grow more and better food.
“We’re excited about enjoying an entertaining evening together as a community, but also doing something which is helping others,” said Joanna Rainer, a Trinity United Church member and one of the concert organizers.
More than 70 per cent of people in the world who don’t get enough to eat are farmers. In developing countries, most of these farmers are women who operate small-scale farms.
Canadian funding for reducing world hunger is distributed though two main channels: the United Nations World Food Program and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
In 2013-14, the Foodgrains Bank provided $42 million of assistance for 1.2 million people in 42 countries.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank projects are undertaken with matching support from the Canadian government.
“The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is an example of what can be accomplished when we work together,” said Rainer.
Founded in Manitoba by the Mennonite Central Committee of Canada in 1975, the organization has grown to include members from more than 10 church denominations.
“(It’s) a very Canadian solution to ending world hunger,” said Rainer. “My hope is to expand this further by inviting everyone interested in this issue to come to the concert, enjoy an evening of beautiful music and learn about the work of this uniquely Canadian organization.”
The Vernon event is one of about 70 similar concerts across Canada this spring, all of which will assist the Foodgrains Bank.
The program features the original music of well-known composer Ron Klusmeier, and video clips from Canadian Foodgrains Bank projects.
“There is no admission fee for the concert, but donation envelopes will be available at the door,” said Rainer. “One hundred per cent of contributions received will be forwarded directly to Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Furthermore, donations made at the concert will be matched three-to-one by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.”
The April 28 concert starts at 7 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 3300 Alexis Park Dr., Vernon. Call 250-545-0797 for info.