A canola field in Linden was harvested for charity on Saturday and all it took was 45 minutes with nine combines and a little bit of generosity.

Organizers Matt Plett says local farmers graciously donated their time and combines during peak harvest time to harvest the 55-acre parcel from which the proceeds go to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. He notes they began doing harvest projects in the landmark area in 1996 and made it into an annual tradition. Plett says this is one of many harvest projects that happen across the country where the field is harvested and the money they get back is donated to the Foodgrains Bank.

"So far every year but one, we've been able to cover all of our costs from donations," adds Plett, "so we've been able to pass on 100 percent of our crop sales to Foodgrains Bank so it's really great that it's supported that broadly." 

Joshua Loewen was part of the harvest and his grandfather was one of the founders of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank

Plett notes the event is always very well supported by the communities of Landmark and Linden adding many people come out to watch even if they have no connections to the farming community.

John Longhurst, Director of Resources and Public Engagement with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, says over 250 of these harvest projects occur every year in Canada with a variety of crops. "We talk about the Canadian Foodgrains Bank farm, by that, we mean a farm that's over 12,000 acres, spread across the country, everyone working together in this way to help people who don't have enough to eat."

Longhurst says this local project will generate thousands of dollars which will then be matched by the federal government to help continue the fight against world hunger. "A few pennies, a few dimes, a few quarters, a few thousands of dollars, every bit helps."

The nine combines that took part in the harvest on Saturday in Linden