HOPE CENTRE SOWS SEEDS TO FIGHT HUNGER

PLANTING HOPE CAMPAIGN CALLS ON LOCAL FARMERS, INDIVIDUALS TO DONATE EXTRA PRODUCE AND FRUIT

A Welland-based non-profit organization is working hard to live up to its name by sowing the seeds needed to kick off its Planting Hope Campaign.

As part of its campaign, the Hope Centre is looking for local farmers and individuals who later this summer would have an abundance of vegetables and fruits from their gardens that they would be willing to donate to support vulnerable families.

"Fresh fruits and fresh produce are not something that we receive a lot of. Most of the donations are non-perishable items," said Marceli Luz, the centre's community engagement co-ordinator.

By starting the campaign, Luz said, she hopes to see more engagement within the community.

Typically, when someone grows a garden, more produce grows than what one person or a family could consume.

"Most of the time, we try to share what we have with more people because we can't eat it fast enough, right? So, why not share with vulnerable people as well?" Luz said.

The centre has already reached out to farmers at local farmers' markets, but Luz said she hopes more farmers and individuals will want to participate in the campaign. Seeds are also needed to help grow a community garden at the centre.

"The idea is to let us know when you

have extra items, please let us know and we will be happy to receive them for our clients," Luz said.

For more information about the program,

call Luz at 905-788-0744, ext. 223, or email mluz@thehopecentre.net.

The Hope Centre is located at 570 King St.