GUELPH/ERAMOSA – In spite of the inclement weather on Oct. 17, an enthusiastic crowd joined Stone United Church to wrap up its 2021 Foodgrains Growing Project.
The event marks the third year Stone United Church, with cooperation from area churches, has raised money for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
The project over the last two years has featured a friendly competition among church members to grow the heaviest pumpkin. This year sunflowers were added as a growing option with the challenge to grow the tallest sunflower.
The winner of the heaviest pumpkin this year was Liam Anthony, with a 275-pound entry.
Laurel and Alec Parker grew the tallest sunflower, topping out at 14 feet.
The best carved pumpkin was entered by the Leffler family and the best decorated by Pat Weir.
The Stone Project is one of many growing projects to raise money to combat global hunger.
“Last year in the face of the pandemic, $49 million was raised to help feed almost one million people suffering from hunger and malnutrition in 33 countries,” said Henry Reinder, Ontario regional representative for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
“This was the Canadian Foodgrains Bank’s best fundraising year ever.”
Reinder went on to thank project participants, noting, “This project is one of the more unique fundraising initiatives in Ontario.”
Tom Parker, one of the project organizers, thanked participants from Barrie Hill, Speedside, Erin/Ballinafad, Ebenezer, Arkell, Rockwood and Stone Churches.
This year, the hope is to surpass last year’s total of $7,500. Donations are still being accepted either by e-transfer to stoneuc.treasurer@gmail.com or by mail to Stone United Church, Box 57, Rockwood, N0B 2K0.
