The Land Conservancy’s fundraising campaign to save Madrona Farm for future food security on the Vancouver Island received a large financial boost today courtesy of two local Victoria residents – Ed Johnson and Mel McDonald.
In early December, Ed Johnson issued a personal challenge to anyone willing to donate $200,000 to Madrona Farm – he would match it. Only a month later, Mel McDonald answered his call. Having received a 60-day extension from the current landowners, TLC now only has $287,000 left to raise by the new March 15, 2010 deadline in order to save the farm.
Left to right: Guy Dauncey, Ed Johnson, Mel McDonald and Bill Turner celebrating the new fundraising amount left at Madrona Farm.
“Through my association with TLC as a Member, and while working on a similar project for the Farmlands Trust, I became aware of the Madrona Farm and the need to save it as working organic farm. I have always considered food security on the island to be a top priority,” said Ed Johnson. “When I met Nathalie and David Chambers, I was so inspired by their commitment to protect this working farm for the community in perpetuity, I wanted to help. I’m happy to see the challenge was met because we are now one step closer to making Madrona Farm a necessary source of natural organic food for all to enjoy.”
Since May 2008, thousands of citizens have contributed to the campaign, and the movement to protect this farm for its biological diversity as well as for its local food production for future generations has become contagious. On top of the generosity of individuals like Ed Johnson and Mel McDonald, community support has come from local restaurants holding fundraising events, chefs participating in the Island Chefs’ Survival events, artists holding auctions, people donating in lieu of birthday gifts and as of late publications like Guy Dauncey’s EcoNews helping spread the word about the campaign.
David and Nathalie Chambers, current farmers at Madrona Farm.
When asked about his contribution, Mel McDonald said: “I am donating $200,000 to help TLC purchase Madrona Farm because we all need to help keep every hectare of existing farmland and especially every organic farm producing healthy food locally and everywhere in our province and throughout our country so we will not eventually have to completely rely on the United States and other countries to provide us with nearly all the food we eat everyday, so please keep your donations coming so we can all help save Madrona Farm.”
Located 10 minutes from downtown Victoria on rich soils at the foot of Mount Douglas Park, Madrona Farm provides food to over 3,500 homes in the Greater Victoria area. The 27-acre farm produces a diversity of 105 crops, 12 months a year. Hundreds of customers visit the farm stand each week, local chefs rely on the farm for fresh vegetables, and food banks and shelters receive donations from Madrona.
“TLC would not exist if it wasn’t for people like Ed, Mel and so many others who have stepped up to support what they believe in. This type of generosity makes our fundraising goal much more tangible and will hopefully inspire others to help,” says Bill Turner, TLC Executive Director.
The race is on to secure Madrona Farm as an innovative model for sustainable agriculture. Once protected, David and Nathalie Chambers will be provided with the first long-term lease to continue farming while providing education and training for apprentices.
Left to right: TLC Board Members Frances Pugh, Alasdair Craighead, and Carol Pickup at Madrona Farm press conference Jan 22, 2010.
Please donate at www.conservancy.bc.ca, www.madronafarm.com or 1-877-485-2422.
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Contact:
Bill Turner, The Land Conservancy, bturner@conservancy.bc.ca, 250-589-8024
Nathalie Chambers, Madrona Farm, madrama@telus.net, 250-477-3093
Birthday party – Lauriers for Madrona
Nicholas W. turns 11 on the 30th. for his birthday he asked his friends to bring a Laurier (a $5 Bill) for him, and another for TLC – so he could donate to Madrona.
Between his three friends, he got $25 for TLC!
Nick says “I like local food, it tastes better than store bought”
Thank you for your comment – this story is exactly why TLC saves special places. We want to ensure future generations have lush natural areas to visit, local food to snack on after school, and historical landmarks to explore their roots. TLC wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for people like Nicholas. We are lucky to have such community action heroes out there – they gives us hope! Tell Nicholas thanks a million for the donation.