Mark your calendars for March 29 at 7 p.m. and come to the Ecco Choir Rock Solid Fundraiser at Stonewall’s New Life Church. This event aims to address one of the most pressing issues facing our world today—global hunger.
This is an opportunity to hear inspiring stories from Dan and Hertha Penner, two Manitoban farmers who dedicated their time to teaching sustainable farming practices in Africa. Their efforts are part of the Rock Solid Growing Project, which has already contributed over $100,000 to the Canada Foodgrains Bank (CFGB).
“It is not just about giving people in third world countries to feed themselves; it is about teaching people how to feed themselves,” said Andrew Harris, one of Stonewall’s three farmers who are involved in the Rock Solid Growing Project for CFGB.
Harris works alongside Nick Matheson and Nathan Tollenaar, who all volunteer their time, equipment and resources to maintain and sell a crop. Once the crop has been harvested, they donate 100 per cent of the proceeds to CGFB.
CFGB is a nationwide initiative that works with communities in third world countries to combat the food insecurity crisis. In membership with 15 different church organizations, proceeds are put towards creating, improving and maintaining sustainable farms that can assist in generating income for impoverished communities. Certain funds are also created to supply emergency food assistance and food rations.
Dale Friesen, Manitoba’s spokesperson from CFGB explained in their last fiscal year, 123 different CFGB projects supported 35 different countries, totaling $18.8 million worth of donations.
“Canadians are working together to end world hunger. Hunger issues are on the rise around the world, and these are real people with real needs that we are helping,” said Friesen.
He advocates for community involvement, addressing the matter that we all are working towards one common goal of ending the hunger crisis.
“Through each project’s support, this is a whole community saying this is unacceptable.”
The Rock Solid Growing Project specifically donates to the Tearfund within the CFGB. This fund
Targets food insecurity by training farmers to offer low-cost, resilient farming practices.
The trio of farmers are looking to raise $7,000 at their first fundraiser on March 29 to help cover costs for the upcoming growing season. This includes seeds, maintenance supplies, and other farming equipment. At the event, the Penner’s will share how they witnessed first-hand the impacts created by the CFGB. The pair visited Malawi, Africa in November 2023, and engaged in a learning tour with CFGB. They will share their experience, and the importance of CFGB’s contributions to third world countries.
Locally, Harris, Matheson and Tollenaar rent 45 acres of land located a half mile south of Stonewall, where they plant, maintain and harvest a crop to sell and donate its proceeds.
Their project first began in 2019 north of Balmoral, but later relocated to their current Stonewall location in 2021.
“We have the experience and expertise to make an impact, so we all figured it was a good way to give back to the community,” Harris explained.
All proceeds are donated to the CFGB, and the federal government matches the donations 4:1 up to $25 million.
Matheson noted the federal government’s commitment as “remarkable” and condones their dedication.
You can kick-off the growing season by showing your support for the Rock Solid Growing Project with their fundraiser at the New Life Church, 6106E Hwy 67 on March 29. The event is free to attend, and cash and cheque donations will be accepted throughout the evening. Entertainment from the Ecco Choir and light refreshments will also be provided for all patrons.
Entertainment will be provided by the Ecco Singers, a Winnipeg-based community choir that bonds over their admiration of music. They strive to use music as a way to advocate for change, and frequently are invited to perform at fundraisers.
Twelve of their singers will perform at the Rock Solid Fundraiser, creating a 20-minute musical program.
“Some pieces the audience will know and others that will be new,” said Ecco Singers artistic director Roberta Velarde, who was born and raised in Stonewall and is Matheson’s sister. She is looking forward to performing in Stonewall, as several members of the choir are from the area.
“It is a nice opportunity to showcase and celebrate Stonewall with our singers, and showcase the talents of the local singers at home.”
For more information, or to get involved with the CGFB you can contact Dale Friesen at DFriesen@foodgrainsbank.ca.
