Salt Spring Island’s Thrifty Foods team is still buzzing after another fun and successful barbecued ribs fundraiser at the island’s Sept. 6-7 Fall Fair.
This year’s event raised approximately $5,000 through rib meal sales and donations, which will be disbursed to local non-profit groups. Island Community Services’ food bank and Christmas Hamper programs, plus Gabriel’s Kitchen, Christmas fairs, the island’s motorcycle toy run, May long weekend soccer tournament, Stingrays swim meet and many more events and organizations will benefit, including the Farmers’ Institute, which puts on the Fall Fair.
One new project that store manager Mike Boizard and assistant manager Sandra Crandall are particularly excited about supporting with funds this year is the Pollinator Garden at the Farmers’ Institute. As a demonstration garden, it will provide an educational resource for gardeners, farmers and students, and help strengthen island food production.
“The concept of the garden ‘feeding the bees’ and providing pollination for our local food sources is something we are passionate about,” says Crandall. “It goes full circle: the Farmers’ Institute supports farmers and the pollinator garden, the Fall Fair supports the Farmers’ Institute, and the bees pollinate plants and support the farmers.”
“Anything we can do to help bring awareness to local food security is something that resonates well with us,” adds Boizard.
The Fall Fair fundraiser also fits with Thrifty Foods’ passion for feeding the community.
“It’s an opportunity for our team to provide some of their time to give back to our community, and connect with friends, family and neighbours. The rib sale is especially popular, as it is not only challenging, it’s a ton of fun,” he says.
“We look forward to being a part of the Fall Fair next year and serving even more ribs! We would also like to thank all of our teammates that help make this possible. And, most importantly, we want to thank the entire Farmers’ Institute team and all volunteers for their efforts in making this unique community event such a memorable one.”
Thrifty Foods Salt Spring is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 114 Purvis Lane in Ganges.