Celebrating the Canadian Foodgrains Bank
Soon after David and Kathryn Mayberry started as Ontario Regional Coordinators for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), they had the chance to learn more about CFGB from people at Bethel Christian Reformed Church (CRC) in Listowel, Ontario.
The Bethel CRC growing project was an ideal place to start the Mayberry’s orientation. Begun in 1997, the CRC project had a reputation not only as being extremely successful, but also as a project with vision.
As regional coordinators, it would be the Mayberry's job to connect churches and individuals with the information they need to start a growing project, advocate, or financially support any of the 15 member agencies of CFGB.
On the suggestion of CFGB, David and Kathryn called Bethel’s project's contact person, Bill Hiemstra, but it was his wife, Marg, who answered the phone. Bill was out, she said, but she’d be happy to help the couple learn more about their work.
Within ten minutes, Marg called them back to say she had arranged a lunch meeting for 60 to 80 people. In the end, well over 100 people attended to talk about their connection to and involvement with CFGB, which was the focus of celebration and a special donation in Canadian CRCs this Sunday, March 6.
"Ever since then," Kathryn says, "we've had the feeling that if you need something done – just call Marg."
It turns out Marg isn't the only one from the Bethel CRC that can get things done. In the 14 years since the project started, the group has raised over $600,000 for the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee’s account at CFGB – all of which goes to end hunger around the world.
Much of the project's success comes from the overwhelming support it receives from several Listowel-area communities. Foremost is Bethel CRC where a rotating committee from the church keeps ideas for the project fresh, while also making sure to bring in new circles of supporters.
"Very rarely do people say ‘no’ to a request for help," says Peter Slotegraaf, who just finished his one-year term as chair of the committee after four years of service. "Everyone wants to get involved."
The farming community around Listowel has also shown tremendous support - donating seeds, fertilizers, land, and equipment costs.
Slotegraaf estimates that close to 50 farmers help cultivate the 170 acres of land that make up the growing project each year. While many of the farmers are connected to the church, Peter says there are many others from the community who also contribute and "have a heart for people who are hungry."
In addition to strong local support, the Bethel growing project partners with urban Christian Reformed Churches in Waterloo, Oshawa, and Bowmanville. These urban churches provide financial support which the rural church then uses to purchase any un-donated supplies that are still needed for the project. Last year the four partner churches raised over $21,000 in support of the project.
The Bethel project shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, in addition to the 170 acres the project usually grows, a new group in the church has started a special one-year project called Harvest for Hunger.
This project will grow 160 acres of soybeans to donate to CFGB. The group is hoping to gather between 100 and 200 combines to harvest the field, and break the world record for the fastest soy bean harvest. To learn more about Harvest for Hunger, or to donate your time on harvest day, click here.
