Volunteers with an urban farming group that provides fresh produce for the Calgary Food Bank were busy harvesting vegetables over the weekend in preparation for the organization’s big fundraiser.
Grow Calgary, which operates an 11-acre garden near the WinSport facility and grows 15 different kinds of vegetables, will be transporting half a truckload of food to MARKET Calgary on 17th Avenue S.W. for a four-course meal Monday evening prepared by the restaurant’s chefs.
The money from ticket sales for the #FRESH! fundraiser will help Grow Calgary continue to operate and help feed the needy in the city, said group founder Paul Hughes.
“This is an important time for Grow Calgary,” Hughes said. “We’re seeing an increase in demand (in this economic downturn).”
Last year’s event raised more than $6,000. Hughes said he hopes this year’s dinner will raise at least $7,000, which will go toward Grow Calgary’s compost and irrigation program, as well as buying more seeds.
