The annual Summerland Fruit Tree Project, organized by the Summerland Asset Development Initiative, has begun its eighth year collecting unwanted fruit in town.
The goal of this project is to collect the unharvested fruit that goes to waste each year and distribute it within the community.
After each pick, the fruit is divided equally among the volunteers, the generous donators for the fruit trees and an organization within the community.
Last year, close to 2,300 kilograms of fruit was picked and donated to organizations including the Summerland Boys and Girls Club, schools and recreation centres.
Over the eight years of the project, more than 36,000 kilograms of fruit has been collected and distributed.
During the slow blooming of this year’s fruit, volunteers have only picked a few sites but have still managed to pick 270 kilograms of cherries so far.
This fruit has been donated to Summerland Seniors’ Village, Angus Place, Kiwanis Place, the Summerland Food Bank and Parkdale Place.
Organizers are looking forward to the upcoming fruit including plums, apples and pears.
This project would not be possible without the support of volunteers who come out to pick.
“Many people believe that to make a difference, you have to do something really big and overseas, but that is not the case,” said Harish Ananad, a SADI summer student.
“It does not take much to help out in the town where you’re living and this program is another thing everyone can help out with to make a change.”
Those interested in registering trees or volunteering are asked to contact SADI at 250-494-9722.