Going out on a limb
Founded in 1999, the Vancouver Fruit Tree Project is a community-based, registered charity that works to increase public access to fresh local fruit in four communities (Mt. Pleasant, Little Mountain, Kitsilano and Cedar Cottage) throughout Vancouver. The idea is simple: connect people who have fruit trees on private property, volunteers who can help harvest the fruit, and local community groups that use fruit in their outreach programs. The goal of this wonderful initiative is to build communities and strengthen food security using local backyard fruit. In also, indirectly, is an educational tool about the importance of eating locally, community building, nutrition, helping those in need, and the importance of using the most of what we have. Most of the harvested fruit (4,000lbs in 2006!) is donated to community organizations and individuals in need. The Fruit Tree Project is also partnered with Community Kitchens to offer canning workshops.
[…] The Vancouver Fruit Tree Project is about neighbours getting together to harvest fruit growing in our community, share knowledge and skills learned from parents and grandparents and share fruit with those in need. The project depends on volunteers from the community who donate their time, fruit, and financial support to make the project a success. There are many ways to get involved in the Vancouver Fruit Tree Project. Volunteers help with everything from harvesting, preserving or distributing fruit, organizing special events or assisting with fundraising activities. […]