At this time we at the Gleaners are continuing our task of gleaning and are extremely thankful for all of our donor partners as well as our many volunteers who come out to the plant to help us do God’s work of feeding the hungry of the world. We are also thankful for God’s provision in this endeavor. He has been faithful in providing for all our needs over the last 13 years, and we are confident He will continue to do so into the future.
As mentioned in previous newsletters, we are embarking on a new and exciting time here at the Prairie Gleaners. Our initial plan was that we were going to be in the newly expanded facility by the fall of 2022, however, due to some unforeseen and unavoidable problems that obviously is not the case. We are confident that we will be in operation in the spring of 2023. Due to the fact that some of our contractors have taken on this project, which is relatively small compared to their other work, and they are fitting it in around their other jobs the timeline is not quite what we anticipated. That coupled with a number of supply chain shortages/issues we can accept that we are a little delayed.
GOD is looking after this, HE has it all under control.
Since our inception in 2009, we have shipped our vegetable mix to over 30 countries around the world, and this year again we have continued that same tradition. We have not had as many shipments go out this year as last year, however, we continue to supply whatever we can.
In March, we shipped 2 pallets to the Ukraine to Lviv Theological Seminary, with GEMS (Global Emergency Missions Society). In April we shipped 2 pallets (1,048 bags) with Faith Mission to be part of their future shipment to the Ukraine. Also in April we sent 20 pallets (10,676 bags) with GEMS which was destined also for the Ukraine.
In August we sent a pallet to Iqaluit, Nunavut with 567 bags, via East-West Express to Calgary, Train to Winnipeg, and Montreal. Then to Rankin Inlet and finally Iqaluit. This had a long way to go before the freeze-up for winter. This was received by the Anglican Diocese of the Arctic, and distributed. In September we sent a 20 foot sea can to Burundi, Africa, which contained 1,057 boxes, 10,621 bags, which is over 1,000,000 cups of our vegetable mix. This shipment was going from here to Calgary, then by train to Montreal. By ship through the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal, then to Africa and finally Burundi. In October we sent 4 pallets to Cuba, and this month we again sent 2 pallets through Faith Mission to the Ukraine.
We are so appreciative of our donors who regularly supply us with vegetables for processing, as well as other donations.
Some of the produce that is donated to us are as follows: Cabbage, rutabagas, carrots, squash, string beans, onions, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, peppers tomatoes, beets, potatoes, celery, beans and lentils.
Other Donations: We have a Gleaners Friend, Willard, who has been very instrumental in selling some of our old equipment such as our tractor, cultivator and lawnmower attachment for the tractor as well as finding some much needed replacements such as a skid steer which has been greatly appreciated. He has also helped us sell, find, and purchase a couple of grain bins for lentils and other possible products in the future.
We truly appreciate your financial support. We are 100% donor driven and your gifts are strictly used to operate the facility. If you would like to be a part of the ongoing work of the Prairie Gleaners, please consider leaving a legacy to the Gleaners in your will.
How to donate
Some methods you can use to support the Prairie Gleaners through donations are:
- E-Transfer auto deposit to our email address: [email protected]
- By mail to Prairie Gleaners at PO Box 656, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7G6
- Drop off at the plant at 11502 Range Road 63, Cypress County
- On our Donate page, click on the link CanadaHelps.org and use either Visa, MasterCard or Pay Pal
Some items to consider for donation opportunities:
- Donate to cover the cost of our Monthly Utilities (natural gas): $1,850.00
- Donate to cover the cost of our Monthly Utilities (electricity): $1,400.00
- Donate to cover the cost of a box of bags for our vegetable mix (1000 bags): $170.00
- Donate to cover the cost of a lift (pallet) of our vegetable mix: $3,000.00
- Donate to cover the cost of fuel for the truck for one month: $400.00
- Donate to help offset the cost of a front end roller brush for our skid steer: $5,500.00
Prairie Gleaners is expanding due to our global food shortages. We need your HELP to continue to do this good work in the world – Donate Today!
We recognize that many people have already donated to us in the usual manner, and want you to know that this is NOT a plea for an extra donation, however if you feel so inclined you can use the list of items as possible donation opportunities that we could use help with.
We, the Board of The Prairie Gleaners Society, have been actively praying for God’s intervention in this matter. We are asking you to join us in prayer regarding our financial resources, and volunteer base, and in general feeding the hungry.
Don’t forget to check out our Facebook Page: Prairie Gleaners Society, Instagram: Prairie Gleaners Society, and YouTube by searching “Prairie Gleaners”. You can find 9 different video clips ranging from 30 seconds to about 20 minutes in length.
We would like to sincerely thank all of our volunteers, donors, staff, and anyone else who has been partnering with us to help feed the hungry, through prayer or whatever means they have at their disposal.
God Bless