The Penticton Fruit Tree Project is looking for volunteers and home owners to get involved in a residential fruit picking project.
Home owners unable to pick their fruit trees or have too much fruit, as well as volunteer pickers are encouraged to sign up with the Penticton Tree Fruit Project. All fruit will be shared between the fruit tree owners, the volunteer fruit pickers and local community organizations.
The group is also looking for donations of picking ladders in good condition.
“Last year we realized not every homeowner with a fruit tree has a ladder suitable for volunteers to climb up,” said Glory MacIntyre, one of the project organizers. “Finding safe ladders has definitely become a priority for this year.”
MacIntyre said she is excited about the growth of the project and is looking forward to surpassing last year’s harvest.
“Despite the lack of picking ladders we were able to sign up 10 homeowners and harvest over 1,000 pounds of fruit last year.
The bulk of the harvest was donated to the Penticton Salvation Army Food Bank and the Unity House,” said MacIntyre. “This year we have already picked at two different homes and harvested over 300 lbs of fruit.”
The Penticton Fruit Tree Project increases the availability of healthy fruits for those in need, reduces food waste, limits bear attractants on your property and promotes local food security and volunteerism.
To register your fruit tree or sign up as a volunteer with the Penticton Fruit Tree Project please contact MacIntyre at 250-276-6239 or email pentictonfruittreeproject@gmail.com.