The Altona Community Action Network (ACAN) hosted their first-ever “Fruit Jam” fundraiser at The Community Exchange on April 13, in support of their Community Orchard and Edible Garden Project.
The concert, which raised about $5,000, drew a large crowd eager to support the new venture and to enjoy a full lineup of entertainment, which included local performers such as The Sixagons, Liam Martin, and Paul Bergman. Winnipeg-based group Dejavu also took the stage, offering a variety of Latin music, as well as contemporary and classic pop and rock.
Fruit Jam also included a raffle and refreshments, as well as a silent auction for a quilt designed and created by local quilter Lori Hiebert.
Members of ACAN and the Community Orchard Task Force also shared their goals for the project, with music and poetry thrown in just for fun.
Committee member Joel Martin said years ago when they started the Community Garden and pavilion, they were already dreaming of an orchard to add to it.
“This is the next step. The orchard will be just north of the garden. It will be about two acres, consisting of a variety of trees, bushes, and shrubs.”
Unlike the garden, Martin said this is a long-term project, which will take much longer to reap the results.
“We’re going to need help from the community, and we’ll be asking people to be part of it, and have some ownership in the project.”
The project will be completed in phases, as funding comes in.
Event emcee Al Friesen said the event was another great example of enthusiasm, and an opportunity to become financial partners for an exciting new phase in the development of the property near the MEC, which already features an ever-expanding Community Garden.
“It will bring to the community another source of local food production and create a community space that produces food and provides an example of a climate resilient food system. And dare I say, along the way, grow our community and us as its residents.”
