To our valued supporters,
With our deepest gratitude, we thank you for your support over the past calendar year. As 2021 quickly comes to an end, we want to acknowledge our staff, volunteers and donors who have contributed to our mission of feeding hungry people.
The past two years, COVID-19 has affected everyone, including the SWO Gleaners. Despite being closed early in the year, we have worked hard to produce as much food as possible since March 1. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we should surpass the 3 million servings mark of dehydrated vegetable mix. We are hopeful that 2022 will bring an end to the pandemic and we can increase production. Meanwhile, we continue to practice extra safety protocols to keep our staff and volunteers safe.
In 2021 our finished product reached around the world, including Ukraine, Liberia, Rwanda, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Jamaica, northern Canada and local food banks and soup kitchens. We are grateful for our partners who distribute our product to those in need.
2021 was also a successful year for fresh produce that came to us. We had spectacular quality carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers and other produce donated to us through local farmers and food processors. Their partnership and willingness to donate make our mission possible.
Our volunteers have had to go over a year and a half now with strict protocols. The dedication and hard work of our volunteer base is nothing short of amazing. We look forward to having more volunteers join us as our community continues to open up. More volunteers are always welcome, so please contact us if you are interested.
Over the past two years, we have begun a Christmas Fundraising Campaign. Last year, over $50,000 was raised through generous donors like you. We hope to match or exceed this total again this year. Please consider including the SWO Gleaners in your Christmas giving this year. This funding goes directly towards our mission of supplying dehydrated soup mix and apple snacks to those in need. We thank you for your generosity.
We wish you all the best as you celebrate Christmas and the New Year! Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you in 2022!
Sincerely,
Joel Epp,
General Manager
