By Scott Roblin

Local crop harvested Wednesday for third-world countries

Aug 9, 2017 | 4:57 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Farmers gathering their combines on Wednesday for a great cause, helping people in third-world countries who are battling hunger.

The Canadian Food Grains Bank held their annual harvest just south of Medicine Hat, with three donated combines collecting grain which will be used to feed those living in poverty overseas.

Close to 50 people volunteered for the harvest, which was held early this year due to Alberta’s hot and dry weather this summer.

In past years, the harvest has usually been held during the third week of August.

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Coordinator Charlie Redpath began the local harvest after visiting Ethiopia in the 1980s, and he said a program like this can be life changing for those struggling in third-world countries.

“I think it’s terrific for them because being there, I saw what they had and they didn’t have much,” said Redpath. “So, we can spend a few days and harvest a crop for them.”

Donations made supporting the harvest this year are being matched by the federal government at a rate of 4-to-1, with a donation of $1 being turned into $5.

This was also the 20th anniversary of the Canadian Food Grains Bank harvest in Medicine Hat.