Farmers Helping Farmers is requesting nominations for three volunteer awards. The awards recognize the contributions of the organization’s volunteers, supporters and members.
Sandra MacKinnon, Awards Committee chair, says that the success of any organization is dependent upon the commitment of its volunteers and others. “We are extremely fortunate to have individuals and groups working in partnership, and raising funds to assist with the challenges faced by many East African farm women and their families,” she said.
The Friend of Farmers Helping Farmers Award recognizes individuals and businesses who are not members of Farmers Helping Farmers, but who have made a lasting and extending contribution to the association. Contributions may be in the form of financial or in-kind. The 2009 recipients of this award were Bev and Shirlee Simpson of Vesey’s Seeds Ltd.
The Farmers Helping Farmers Youth Award recognizes individuals 25 years and younger and youth groups (school classes, 4-H, Allied Youth, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, etc.) who have made outstanding contributions to public awareness about Farmers Helping Farmers and its work in Kenya. The successful nominee will be recognized for an extraordinary spirit that makes its contribution an inspiration to others, and exemplifies citizenship and volunteerism. Stonepark Farmers Helping Farmers Club was the 2009 recipient of this award.
The Honourary Life Membership recognizes members who have made an outstanding and substantial contribution to the organization and its purpose. Nominees will have inspired and encouraged others to be engaged, and have served as an example within the organization. Two members, Patsy Dingwell, Morell and Shaad Olingo, Kenya, were recognized in 2009.
Nomination forms are available on the organization’s website at www.farmershelpingfarmers.ca or by phoning 629-1759. The deadline for applications is April 30.
Farmers Helping Farmers is an Island-based, award-winning organization of community-minded people with agricultural backgrounds. Its goal is to assist Kenyan farmers in becoming more self-reliant in agricultural food production. The group assists with the development of small-scale, practical agricultural projects focusing on direct, person-to-person interaction.