The 27th Annual Beef Barbecue sponsored by Farmers Helping Farmers (FHF) will be held Saturday, August 15, 2009, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Harrington Research Farm, 1200 Brackley Point Road. The menu includes barbecued steak, salad bar, new potatoes and strawberry shortcake. Proceeds from the meal and sale of African crafts will be used to aid farm families in East Africa.
Money raised at the barbecue will support several FHF projects that are currently underway in Kenya and are aimed at improving farm incomes, food supply and the quality of life for rural families. One of these projects is with the Ruuju Primary School which has 420 students. The project is focused on introducing sustainable food and water practices and demonstrating the growing of a wider variety of food crops. The crops grown by the students are used to deliver a lunch program. Information on this project and others can be accessed at www.farmershelpingfarmers.ca.
FHF is excited to have a special guest in attendance at this year’s barbecue. Mr. Shaad Olingo will be on the Island from August 12 to September 2. Shaad has worked for FHF for many years as the organization’s half-time Kenyan Field Coordinator. The organization credits much of its success to Shaad’s effective work at the local level in Kenya.
While on the Island, Shaad will provide information to Islanders about projects in Africa. The speaking engagements arranged so far include talks to three Charlottetown area Rotary Clubs which have funded projects in Africa. He’ll also be visiting local tree nurseries, farm organizations and agricultural projects.
John VanLeeuwen, president of Farmers Helping Farmers, is pleased that Islanders will have an opportunity to meet Mr. Olingo at this year’s barbecue and is anticipating another sold-out barbecue. “This is an event that people annually look forward to attending. With 700 tickets available, it is an event where people have a chance to meet new friends and become reacquainted with old friends.”
Farmers Helping Farmers is a Prince Edward Island-based organization committed to undertaking development initiatives to improve the lives of farm families in Kenya. Its membership includes farmers, academics and others with a wide variety of interests and with expertise in rural development, crop production, animal husbandry, and processing/marketing crops and dairy products. The philosophy of FHF is to develop plans put forward by East African farmers and to help give them the support needed to be successful.
Tickets for adults are $25 and $5 children and are available by contacting a Farmers Helping Farmers member or Emily Brown at erc.brown@gmail.com, or (902) 393-8663 and leaving a message.