Apples and pears are the particular quest of the Victoria Fruit Tree Project these days.
The annual effort to harvest tree fruit from private yards around the city is in full swing. Fruit that would otherwise end up going to waste is given to food banks and community groups instead. Volunteer pickers and homeowners can also share in the bounty. The Victoria Fruit Tree Project has gathered about 9,100 kilograms of fresh fruit each year since 1998, with much of it going to such agencies as the Mustard Seed Food Bank, Our Place and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. The project is run by LifeCycles, a non-profit group that oversees a number of initiatives dedicated to food production and sustainability. The newest effort, the Urban Agriculture Hotline, will be launched in September. Fruit is picked free of charge, but LifeCycles appreciates donations or the purchase of a $35 membership in the organization. Contact Katie Shaw at 250-383-5800 or send an e-mail to katie lifecyclesproject.ca. On the web: www.lifecyclesproject.ca School-supply project helps kids
With the summer holidays on the wane, Linda Matthews continues to collect school supplies to help students in need.