Salvadoran-inspired meal is fund-raiser to support farmers in El Salvador
A Salvadoran-inspired meal and silent auction are being held as a fund-raiser for Otra Fe, a non-profit organization in support of farmers in western El Salvador.
Eileen Simpson of the 6th Concession in the Municipality of Kincardine, says the organization is attempting to raise more than $14,000 (U.S.) to assist 59 farmers with the purchase of seeds, fertilizer and training in sustainable farming practices.
"These farmers are from four different settlements in western El Salvador," says Simpson. "The past two years have been difficult for them as the weather patterns have changed significantly. Drought destroyed many crops and left farmers without beans to eat or to sell."
These four farmers (right) are part of a group that Otra Fe supports just outside of Auchapan; they received funding last year for a large chicken coop; photos courtesy of Eileen Simpson
To assist the cause, Simpson and a group of volunteers are hosting a Salvadoran-inspired meal and silent auction, Friday, May 5, at the Underwood Community Centre. Doors open at 6 p.m. for cocktails, and viewing/bidding on many unique auction items, with the dinner served at 7 p.m.
Jim Patterson and his wife, Brenda, are attending this event, and Jim will give a presentation during coffee and dessert. There will be time following the meal to ask questions and put in final bids on the auction items.
Tickets are $25 each and are available from Simpson by calling 519-368-5848 or Melissa Comyn at 519-353-4219.
There is also a door prize - an occasional table donated by Durham Furniture.
This group of recipients (above) is receiving training from Otra Fe's agronomist; all farming projects are granted contingent on the basis that the participants attend training sessions
Above, is a group of farmers outside of Metapan. These farmers are especially challenged from the standpoint that they must rent land to farm. They are only ever allowed to rent the same land for a short period of time, otherwise squatters' rights take effect. Therefore, landowners refuse to rent on a long-term basis. Because of this, renters seldom use good land practices so there is little to no composting done and the soil in this area is very poor. They have also seen several years of drought.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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