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Excess tree fruit goes to those in need

The Summerland Fruit Tree Project connects people with backyard trees with those who who can use fresh fruit.

The Summerland Fruit Tree Project is organized by the Summerland Asset Development Initiative (SADI) to connect people who have excess fruit from their backyard fruit trees with community volunteers who have the time and energy to harvest it.

The purpose of this initiative is to pick fruit that might otherwise go to waste and donate it to citizens who are unable to enjoy the luxury of fresh local fruit.

In previous years, SADI has donated fresh fruit to the Summerland Food Bank, Summerland Boys and Girls Club, Penticton First Nations Reserve, South Okanagan Women In Need Society, Soupeteria, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Unity House and other organizations.

The project benefits not only the owners of the trees and the recipients of the fruit, but also the volunteers who assist each year in making this a successful project.

Volunteers gain valuable work experience in a positive environment.

The SADI program for young people embraces 40 developmental assets, which include support systems, empowerment, commitment to learning and positive values.

Volunteers able to take pride in knowing they are contributing to their community while having the opportunity to meet people of all ages and have fun at the same time.

There are a number of ways that community members can get involved: by registering their fruit trees, becoming a volunteer picker or participating in a fruit preserving workshop.

The success of this annual project is a result of the hard work of volunteers and generous donations from fruit tree and business owners.

To register your fruit tree or volunteer, contact Nicole Kurtz at SADI at (250) 494-9722 or by email at sadisummer@shaw.ca.