Fields of Hope

Grow Hope Saskatchewan exceeds its fundraising targets this year by raising 263 sponsored acres of the 222 available across the province this year.

Grow Hope Saskatchewan committee member Rick Guenther says the initiative experienced a significant boost of support this year from Canadian Baptist Ministries joining the project and encouraging churches and individuals to sponsor acres.

“The response from donors stands in stark contrast to our mid-summer projections when we were faced with the impact that the drought would have on farmers and on the project. Exceeding our target demonstrates the strength of people working together to achieve a shared goal,” Guenther says.

For Brian Hergott, one of the farmers partnered with Grow Hope Saskatchewan, reaching these incredible results requires one thing: hope.

“From the first moment that the seed goes into the ground in the spring until the last bushel of grain is harvested in the fall we live and breathe trusting that no matter what the crop conditions are everything will be ok in the end,” he says.

Dan Siebert, a Grow Hope farmer located near Main Centre, Saskatchewan, agrees and adds he is hopeful people in their community stay interested in the project so they can make a difference around the world.

“We hope people will want to share of their hard-earned money and donate to cover input costs, but most of all, we hope the food grown will make a difference to people in need,” he says.

Funds from Grow Hope Saskatchewan support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), who receives matching funds from Global Affairs Canada to increase the level of food security around the world. In 2021, CFGB reached more than 980,000 people in 33 countries.

“The global context regarding the scope of hunger is vast and perhaps daunting,” says Rick Block, CFGB Saskatchewan Regional Representative. “For those connected to Grow Hope Saskatchewan, our efforts in leveraging several hundred thousand dollars goes a long way to provide emergency food assistance and tangible supports (such as seeds, and tools) that bolster long-term food security around the globe,” he says.

According to Guenther, Grow Hope Saskatchewan is looking for more farmers willing to participate in donating acres available for sponsorship by community supporters to support CFGB in its ongoing effort.

“This kind of success sets the stage for more farmers to join our project to increase the level of food security around the world,” Guenther says. “We are so grateful to all of our donors have helped boost our yield this year. If folks are interested, there is time for them to be included in their support of the project to make it our strongest year ever,” he says.

The overall contribution to the Foodgrains Bank for 2021 will be made known at a later date when all the proceeds from the sale of the crops, crop insurance, and donations are in later this year.

To boost the Grow Hope Saskatchewan yield or to learn more about the initiative visit https://www.growhopesk.ca/