A trio of Stonewall-area farmers surpassed their fundraising goal at the inaugural Rock Solid Growing Project in support of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank’s global hunger relief efforts.
The event, hosted by Stonewall farmers Andrew Harris, Nick Matheson and Nathan Tollenaar, raised more than $9,500 — well beyond their initial goal of $7,000 — with donations still coming in. The trio says the funds will help cover the costs of the upcoming growing season, including seeds, supplies and equipment. All proceeds from the project go to CFGB and are matched 4:1 by the federal government, up to $25 million annually.
“We’re extremely thankful and grateful for the generosity of our community,” said Matheson. “With the money raised, we now have the working capital to grow a crop this year — and any extra will be added to the grain sales, which are also donated to CFGB.”
Roughly 120 attendees gathered to hear about the Rock Solid project’s efforts to combat global hunger. The project supports CFGB’s Tearfund, which trains farmers in developing countries on low-cost, sustainable agriculture practices.
The evening featured performances by the Ecco Choir, which sang five songs — with Matheson joining them on guitar for the finale — and remarks from several speakers, including Harris, Matheson and Tollenaar, who shared the history and future plans of their initiative.
Dan and Hertha Penner, Manitoba farmers who travelled to Malawi with CFGB in 2023, spoke about their experiences on the ground and the long-term impact of sustainable farming education. Dale Friesen, CFGB’s Manitoba representative, also addressed the crowd, outlining the organization’s efforts around the globe.
In the past year alone, CFGB supported 123 projects in 35 countries with $18.8 million in funding. It works in partnership with 15 church-based agencies to address food insecurity, support sustainable agriculture, and provide emergency food aid.
“Canadians are working together to end world hunger,” said Friesen. “These are real people with real needs, and it’s unacceptable that they go hungry. Every community that contributes to a project like this is part of the solution.”
The Rock Solid Growing Project began in 2019 near Balmoral and moved to its current 45-acre site south of Stonewall in 2021. The three farmers volunteer their time, equipment and land to plant and harvest a crop each year, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to CFGB.
For more information or to get involved with CFGB, contact Nick Matheson at 204-461-0706. Donations are still being accepted.
